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Brisbane is not a location providing the English team badly required hope for the Ashes

After defeat by Australia at the series start, the tourists need to regroup before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a venue where England have not won for decades

Men wearing three lions have often become outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Success

Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, hopes and athletes exists a motivational tale provided by a shining knight

This marks 15 years since Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining 235 not out, saving the first Test during that famous series establishing England's trajectory for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil in the past 38 years

Unforgettable Series

It was the beginning of his successful Australian campaign; three centuries and 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs during a Test series in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins

England hasn't achieved a Test here since that memorable series

Looking Back

"People overlook the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook recalls

"With pride I remember. I made an important impact in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory in Australia with every match came through innings wins"

Journey to Excellence

Cook's road to his Australian epic started a year and a half before following the 2009 Ashes on home soil

Though England triumphed, the opener had an average below 25 with just one score over fifty

He wanted more

"Cricket is a team game, the individuality generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he notes

Game Improvement

Just 48 hours following the celebrations, he was back practicing numerous bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch

The initial results proved positive

He scored three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Pivotal Instances

After coming back to British conditions during the 2010 season, the left-hander performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his highest score totaled just 29 runs

Scoreless overnight after the second day's play during the final Test facing Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced this would be his final Test performance prior to selection

"There I was in the bar, trying to find the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

The Turning Point

His century secured his place in the squad down under

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw in practice matches down under

As the opening match began in Brisbane, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to the end of the third day, the opening pair opened England's second innings with a deficit of 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and followed up through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore

"I don't remember any instructions, anything of what we spoke about," says Cook

The left-handers added 188 for the first wicket

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score achieved by a Briton down under in eight decades

Series Dominance

England exploited an incredible start in the second match in South Australia

When Anderson also nicked off the opposition player, the hosts stood at 2-3 and struggled throughout

The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement with 148 during a memorable Test highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the opposition bowlers

Ultimate Victory

England could have retained the urn in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters

Then came perhaps England's single greatest day during Ashes competition in Australia

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian sport, on the holiday, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out

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

Ultimate Success

Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the SCG

His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their record innings on Australian soil

The debate didn't concern if victory would come both match and urn, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," says Cook

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

Enduring Impact

The batsman received top accolades

The remaining seven years of his cricket journey featured further accomplishments

Following his international retirement, he was honored for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|