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The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the Three Lions badly required confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to Australia in the first Test, the tourists must stir themselves ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

Players representing England have often become outmatched opponents in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Success

Among a recent history of broken English hopes, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration achieved by a shining knight

It is exactly 15 years since Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win down under during recent memory

Unforgettable Series

This marked the start of the victorious Australian campaign; three hundred-plus scores and 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond remains the sole English player with higher run totals throughout a campaign on Australian soil

England won 3-1, with all victories through innings victories

The team hasn't secured a Test victory there since that historic campaign

Personal Reflections

"You forget the tough times, the tension and worry accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects

"With pride I remember. I played a significant part during a campaign where England won 3-1 down under and all three games were won by an innings"

The Road to Greatness

Cook's road to his Australian epic commenced well before following that year's Ashes on home soil

Despite English victory, Cook scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance above 50

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, personal performance generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he states

Game Improvement

Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he was back at work practicing numerous deliveries in practice alongside Graham Gooch

Early outcomes were encouraging

The batsman achieved three hundreds during winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to England during the 2010 season, the left-hander had a "stinker"

Across eight appearances versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29

Scoreless overnight following the second day of the third Test versus Pakistan in London, Cook was convinced this would be his final Test performance before being dropped

"There I was in the hospitality area, trying to find the answer in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals

Decisive Instance

Cook's 110 secured his place in the squad down under

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests in Australia

As the opening match began in Brisbane, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, Cook and Strauss started the English reply needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and proceeded with a performance etched in Ashes folklore

"I cannot recall specific guidance, anything of what we spoke about," says Cook

The left-handers added 188 together

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score from an English player down under for 82 years

Total Command

England capitalised on a remarkable opening session in the second match at Adelaide

Following Anderson's additional wicket the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics with 148 in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble he would cause four years later

What followed was possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition down under

At the MCG, the enormous ground of sports down under, on the holiday, the Australian team collapsed to 98 all out

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, this was it. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," Cook remembers

Series Conclusion

Motivated by purpose to claim victory, Cook was at it again at the SCG

His 189 helped England reach 644, their best score in a Test in Australia

The uncertainty wasn't if England would win the match and the Ashes, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers

"After Tremlett dismissed the final batsman to secure victory, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Enduring Impact

The batsman received top accolades

The following seven seasons in his international career were illuminated by additional achievements

Following his international retirement, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|