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Brisbane is not a city to give the English team crucial hope for the Ashes

After defeat by the hosts in the first Test, the visiting team must stir themselves for a trip to Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where victory has eluded England for over thirty years

Players representing England have often become lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Triumph

Throughout modern times of English disappointments, hopes and athletes is a source of inspiration delivered by an exceptional player

It is exactly the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba via a landmark 235 not out, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series establishing England's trajectory for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

It was the beginning of the victorious tour of Australia; three centuries and 766 runs

Wally Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs in a series in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, with every win through innings victories

They have not won success at this venue since those glory days

Cook's Memories

"One tends to forget the challenging periods, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," Cook recalls

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part in a series when England triumphed 3-1 down under where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

The path toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier following the 2009 Ashes in England

England won, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings above 50

He wanted more

"Cricket is a team game, individual contribution generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he explains

Technical Transformation

Two days after the celebrations, he was back hitting hundreds and hundreds deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

Early outcomes showed promise

He scored three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

Upon his return to British conditions during the 2010 season, the batsman performed poorly

In eight innings versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings totaled just 29 runs

Scoreless overnight at the end of the second day's play during the final Test facing Pakistan in London, Cook was convinced he was playing his final Test performance prior to selection

"I found myself in the bar, seeking the resolution through drinking," he admits

The Turning Point

Cook's 110 secured his place on the plane to Australia

Preparation continued through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games in Australia

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they were hit by Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, both batsmen opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and followed up with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

"I don't remember the messages, anything of what we spoke about," recalls Cook

The opening pair accumulated 188 runs together

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score by an Englishman down under in eight decades

Series Dominance

England exploited a remarkable opening session in the second match in Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off the opposition player, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane success by scoring 148 during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers

Ultimate Victory

Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later

Then came arguably England's best performance in Ashes history down under

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the massive stadium of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the Australian team collapsed to 98 all out

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, it was that. There was disbelief as the day ended," says Cook

The Final Victory

Driven by determination to win the urn, the batsman performed brilliantly in Sydney

His 189 helped England reach 644, their record innings during Australian Tests

The debate didn't concern if victory would come the match and the Ashes, rather when

"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers

"When Tremlett got the last player to win the match, that was a time of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

The batsman received top accolades

The following seven seasons of his cricket journey featured other milestones

After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|