Test Match Special England’s 2010/11 Ashes win, according to Sir Alastair Cook
Nov 28, 2025
Sir Alastair Cook, former England test captain and prolific opener, discusses his remarkable performance during the 2010/11 Ashes series. He shares insights into his technical changes with Graham Gooch, the pressure of the Gabba where he made 235 not-out, and the significant momentum shift this created for the team. Cook also reflects on the collective effort in Melbourne and how setbacks in Perth led to galvanizing team meetings. Finally, he reminisces about celebrating the series triumph and the strong team dynamics that contributed to their historic win.
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Technique Overhaul Before The Tour
- Alastair Cook recounts revising his technique after 2009 and grinding hundreds of balls to stand still and play straighter.
- He then returned briefly to his old style during a poor 2010 summer, which freed his mind and helped him attack in a key Oval innings.
Brisbane Double Hundred That Turned The Series
- Cook describes being left alone at Brisbane after Andrew Strauss fell third ball and then building a long, match-changing double century with Trott and Strauss partnerships.
- The innings shifted the series momentum and gave England belief that Australia could be beaten in Australia.
Big Innings Shifted Series Psychology
- Cook says the Gabba innings gave England belief Australia were beatable and set the tone for Adelaide's early collapses.
- He links one big performance to the psychological swing that helped England seize momentum in the series.