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The Queensland capital isn't a city to give the Three Lions some much-needed Ashes optimism

After defeat by Australia during the opening match, the tourists must stir themselves before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a venue where England have not won since 1986

English cricketers have frequently been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

A Shining Knight's Achievement

Throughout modern times of broken English hopes, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration achieved by a shining knight

Today commemorates 15 years since the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining unbeaten 235, preserving the initial Test during that famous series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory in Australia during recent memory

Unforgettable Series

It was the beginning of the victorious Australian campaign; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman 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 that historic campaign

Looking Back

"One tends to forget the challenging periods, the tension and worry accompanying that success," Cook remembers

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial in a tournament that saw England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil and all three games was achieved comprehensively"

The Road to Greatness

The path to down under success began 18 months earlier after the 2009 series in the UK

Despite English victory, Cook had an average below 25 managing only one innings over fifty

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he explains

Technical Transformation

Shortly after the victory celebrations, he was back practicing numerous of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

The initial results proved positive

Cook made three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Pivotal Instances

After coming back to home soil for the 2010 summer, the batsman performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29

On nought not out after day two of the third Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, the batsman felt certain he was playing his final Test performance before being dropped

"There I was at the bar, attempting to discover the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals

Critical Moment

Cook's 110 ensured his position in the squad down under

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw of their warm-up games on Australian soil

Come the first Test in Brisbane, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

Just before the third day's close, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings with a deficit of 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and followed up through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore

"I cannot recall the messages, anything of what we spoke about," says Cook

Both left-handed batsmen added 188 in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score achieved by a Briton on Australian soil for 82 years

Complete Control

England exploited a remarkable opening session during the following Test in South Australia

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane success by scoring 148 in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian bowling

Series Conclusion

England could have retained the urn in Perth, however Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters

The subsequent events included arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition on Australian soil

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, on the holiday, the home side were dismissed for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. There was disbelief at the end of the day," recalls Cook

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook excelled once more in Sydney

His 189 helped England reach 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come the match and the Ashes, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," says Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to win the match, it was a moment of pure elation"

Historical Significance

He earned series honors

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

Post-cricket career, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|