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The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the Three Lions badly required confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the hosts during the opening match, England need to regroup ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for over thirty years

Men wearing three lions have often become easy prey in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Success

Among a recent history of English disappointments, dreams and bodies lies an inspirational story delivered by an exceptional player

This marks the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining unbeaten 235, preserving the initial Test of 2010-11 and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph down under over nearly four decades

Record-Breaking Performance

This marked the start of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries totaling 766 runs

Wally Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs throughout a campaign in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, where each success by an innings

They have not won a Test here since those glory days

Cook's Memories

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

"With pride I remember. I played a significant part in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory down under where each victory were won by an innings"

Path to Success

His journey toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier after the 2009 series in the UK

Though England triumphed, the opening batsman had an average below 25 managing only one innings over fifty

He wanted more

"Despite cricket's collective nature, the individuality generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he explains

Skill Development

Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back facing countless deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

Early outcomes were encouraging

The batsman achieved three centuries during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

When Cook returned to home soil during the 2010 season, the left-hander had a "stinker"

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

Without runs following the second day in the third match against Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook believed he was playing his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"There I was at the bar, attempting to discover the answer through drinking," he confesses

The Turning Point

His century ensured his position on the plane to Australia

England continued their preparations by winning two and drawing one in practice matches down under

When the first Test arrived at the Gabba, they faced a Siddle hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

An hour before the third day's close, both batsmen opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs

They reached 19-0 at stumps and proceeded with a performance etched in Ashes folklore

"I don't remember specific guidance, anything of what we spoke about," says Cook

The left-handers contributed 188 for the first wicket

His unbeaten 235 represented the top score by an Englishman on Australian soil since the 1930s

Series Dominance

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

Following Anderson's additional wicket the opposition player, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

He continued his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian attack

Series Conclusion

Victory was possible the urn in Perth, however Johnson to foreshadow the havoc he would cause four years later

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

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the hosts were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," says Cook

The Final Victory

Fuelled by the focus to secure the Ashes, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His 189 lifted England to 644, their best score on Australian soil

The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come both match and urn, rather when

"The environment was electric," says Cook

"When Tremlett got Michael Beer to win the match, that was a time of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

He earned series honors

The following seven seasons of his Test career were illuminated by additional achievements

Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|