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Brisbane is not a place that offers the Three Lions some much-needed confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the Australian side during the opening match, England need to regroup ahead of visiting the Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

English cricketers have habitually been easy prey at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Success

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies exists a motivational tale achieved by a cricket hero

This marks 15 years since the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, preserving the initial Test from the 2010-11 series paving England's path to their only Ashes series win down under during recent memory

Historic Achievement

It was the beginning of his successful tour of Australia; three hundred-plus scores totaling 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond remains the sole English player who has made more runs during a Test series down under

England won 3-1, with all victories by an innings

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

Cook's Memories

"You forget the tough times, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," Cook remembers

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England won 3-1 in Australia and all three games were won by an innings"

Path to Success

Cook's road toward Australian glory started a year and a half before following the 2009 Ashes in the UK

England won, Cook scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings over fifty

He sought improvement

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality creates the sensation like you want to pull your weight," he notes

Game Improvement

Shortly after the celebrations, he was back at work facing countless bowls during training with Graham Gooch

Early outcomes showed promise

He scored three hundreds during winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

After coming back to England during the 2010 season, the left-hander struggled significantly

In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings reached only 29

On nought not out after the second day of the third Test versus Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced this would be his concluding international appearance prior to selection

"I was sitting at the bar, attempting to discover the solution by drowning sorrows," he admits

Decisive Instance

His century secured his place on the plane to Australia

England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests down under

Come the first Test in Brisbane, they faced a Siddle hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

Just before the third day's close, both batsmen started the English reply trailing by 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss at stumps and followed up with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history

"I don't remember the messages, our conversations," recalls Cook

The opening pair contributed 188 in their partnership

Cook's 235 not out represented the top score from an English player in Australia for 82 years

Series Dominance

England exploited an incredible start in the second match in Adelaide

Following Anderson's additional wicket the Australian batsman, the hosts stood at 2-3 and couldn't recover

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane success with 148 in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters

The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition in Australia

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the Australian team were blown away for 98

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

The Final Victory

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

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

The uncertainty wasn't whether England would triumph the match and the Ashes, but the timing

"The environment was electric," says Cook

"When Tremlett got Michael Beer to win the match, it was a moment of pure elation"

Historical Significance

The batsman received top accolades

The subsequent seven years of his Test career featured additional achievements

Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|