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Brisbane is not a city to give England badly required hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, England have to bounce back ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

Players representing England have frequently been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

Cook's Memorable Achievement

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

It is exactly 15 years since Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, saving the first Test of 2010-11 establishing England's trajectory toward their sole series victory on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

It was the beginning of the victorious circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries and 766 runs

Wally Hammond stands as the only Briton who has made more runs in a series in this country

Victory came 3-1, with every win through innings victories

The team hasn't secured a Test victory there since those glory days

Personal Reflections

"People overlook the tough times, the nervousness and anxiety that went into that," the cricketer reflects

"With pride I remember. My contribution was substantial in a series when England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil and all three games was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

The path to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier after the 2009 series in England

England won, the opening batsman averaged less than 25 with just one score exceeding half-century

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, personal performance creates the sensation like you want to pull your weight," he explains

Skill Development

Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he was back hitting hundreds and hundreds bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances were encouraging

The batsman achieved three hundreds on overseas campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

When Cook returned to British conditions for that year's summer, the left-hander had a "stinker"

Across eight appearances versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings totaled just 29 runs

Scoreless overnight at the end of day two of the third Test against Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain he was playing his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"I found myself in the bar, seeking the answer by drowning sorrows," he admits

Critical Moment

His century 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 Gabba, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Historic Partnership

An hour before the third day's close, both batsmen started the English reply with a deficit of 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end then continued with a performance etched in Ashes folklore

"I cannot recall the messages, our discussions," Cook remembers

The opening pair added 188 in their partnership

Cook's 235 not out represented the top score achieved by a Briton down under since the 1930s

Complete Control

England exploited an astonishing first morning in the second match in South Australia

Following Anderson's additional wicket the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered

He continued his Brisbane success with 148 in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to preview the destruction that would come later

What followed was perhaps England's single greatest day in Ashes history on Australian soil

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, during Boxing Day, the Australian team were dismissed for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, that defined it. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," says Cook

Series Conclusion

Driven by determination to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the SCG

His 189 lifted England to 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The question was not if victory would come the game and series, rather when

"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook

"When Tremlett got the final batsman to secure victory, it was a moment of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons of his cricket journey featured additional achievements

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

"{I couldn't have played any better|