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Brisbane hasn't been a city to give England some much-needed Ashes optimism

After defeat by the Australian side during the opening match, the tourists need to regroup for a trip to the famous Gabba, a venue where England have not won since 1986

English cricketers have often become easy prey at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Achievement

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies exists a motivational tale delivered by an exceptional player

It is exactly the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining 235 without loss, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

It commenced of his successful Australian campaign; three centuries and 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond stands as the only Briton who has made more runs throughout a campaign in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, with all victories by an innings

England hasn't achieved success at this venue since those glory days

Cook's Memories

"People overlook the challenging periods, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," Cook remembers

"With pride I remember. My contribution was substantial in a tournament that saw England triumphed 3-1 in Australia with every match came through innings wins"

Journey to Excellence

His journey to down under success commenced well before following the 2009 series in the UK

England won, Cook scored under 25 per innings with just one score exceeding half-century

He wanted more

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

Game Improvement

Two days after the triumphant events, he was back at work facing countless deliveries in practice alongside Graham Gooch

The initial results were encouraging

The batsman achieved three centuries on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to home soil during the 2010 season, the left-hander performed poorly

Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his top innings was 29

Without runs after the second day's play during the final Test versus Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook believed it might be his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"There I was in the bar, seeking the answer in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings secured his place in the squad down under

England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games on Australian soil

Come the first Test at the famous ground, they were hit by Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to the third day's close, the opening pair started the English reply with a deficit of 221 runs

They reached 19-0 when play concluded then continued through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

"I cannot recall any instructions, our conversations," recalls Cook

Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score by an Englishman on Australian soil since the 1930s

Complete Control

The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session in the second match in South Australia

After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement by scoring 148 in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

Series Conclusion

Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

Then came arguably England's best performance of Ashes cricket in Australia

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

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

Series Conclusion

Fuelled by the focus to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 lifted England to 644, their record innings on Australian soil

The question was not if England would win the match and the Ashes, but the timing

"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to secure victory, it was a moment of absolute joy"

Historical Significance

The batsman received top accolades

The following seven seasons of his cricket journey included other milestones

Post-cricket career, he was honored for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|