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Brisbane is not a city to give the Three Lions some much-needed hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to the hosts at the series start, the visiting team must stir themselves ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed for over thirty years

Men wearing three lions have often become outmatched opponents at this challenging venue

Cook's Memorable Achievement

Throughout modern times of English disappointments, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale achieved by an exceptional player

Today commemorates a decade and a half after Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba via a landmark 235 not out, rescuing the opening match during that famous series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph down under in the past 38 years

Unforgettable Series

It was the beginning of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three centuries accumulating 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs in a series on Australian soil

Victory came 3-1, where each success by an innings

The team hasn't secured a Test here since that memorable series

Personal Reflections

"One tends to forget the tough times, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," Cook remembers

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

Journey to Excellence

The path toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier at the end of that year's Ashes in England

England won, the opener had an average below 25 managing only one innings over fifty

He sought improvement

"Despite cricket's collective nature, the individuality creates the sensation like you want to pull your weight," he notes

Skill Development

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

Beginning performances 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 for the 2010 summer, the batsman performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his top innings reached only 29

Scoreless overnight after day two during the final Test versus Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain this would be his final Test performance before being dropped

"I found myself at the bar, attempting to discover the resolution by drowning sorrows," he admits

Decisive Instance

Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour

The team maintained preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests on Australian soil

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they faced three wickets from Siddle

Historic Partnership

An hour before the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and followed up with a performance engraved in cricket memory

"I don't remember specific guidance, our discussions," says Cook

Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 for the first wicket

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score achieved by a Briton in Australia for 82 years

Series Dominance

England exploited an incredible start during the following Test at Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and never recovered

He continued his Brisbane success through a 148-run innings in a famous match featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian bowling

The Final Triumph

The English might have secured the urn in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble that would come later

What followed was possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket in Australia

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian sport, on the holiday, the Australian team were dismissed for 98

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

Series Conclusion

Driven by determination to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again at the SCG

The 189-run innings helped England reach 644, their highest total during Australian Tests

The debate didn't concern whether England would triumph the game and series, rather when

"The feeling was unbelievable," says Cook

"When Tremlett got the final batsman to win the match, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Historical Significance

He earned series honors

The subsequent seven years of his cricket journey included additional achievements

After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|