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Brisbane is not a location providing England badly required Ashes optimism

In the wake of losing to the hosts at the series start, the tourists need to regroup for a trip to Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where England have not won since 1986

Men wearing three lions have habitually been outmatched opponents in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Triumph

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, hopes and athletes is a source of inspiration provided by a shining knight

It is exactly the 15th anniversary of the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, saving the first Test during that famous series and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia over nearly four decades

Record-Breaking Performance

It commenced of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds totaling 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals in a series in this country

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

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

Looking Back

"You forget the tough times, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I look back with pride. I made an important impact during a campaign where England won 3-1 in Australia and all three games was achieved comprehensively"

The Road to Greatness

The path to his Australian epic commenced well before at the end of the 2009 Ashes on home soil

Though England triumphed, Cook scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance above 50

He wanted more

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

Technical Transformation

Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he returned facing countless bowls during training with Graham Gooch

Early outcomes were encouraging

Cook made three hundreds on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

When Cook returned to British conditions for that year's summer, the batsman performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance was 29

Without runs at the end of the second day's play during the final Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced he was playing his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"I found myself in the bar, seeking the resolution through drinking," he admits

The Turning Point

Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests on Australian soil

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss at stumps and proceeded with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

"I cannot recall the messages, anything of what we spoke about," recalls Cook

Both left-handed batsmen accumulated 188 runs together

His unbeaten 235 represented the top score by an Englishman down under in eight decades

Total Command

England exploited a remarkable opening session in the second match in South Australia

After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

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

Series Conclusion

The English might have secured the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction that would come later

What followed was arguably England's best performance in Ashes history on Australian soil

In Melbourne, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, on the holiday, the hosts were blown away for 98

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

Ultimate Success

Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His 189 helped England reach 644, their record innings in a Test in Australia

The debate didn't concern if victory would come both match and urn, but the timing

"The environment was electric," says Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the last player to win the match, that was a time of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The subsequent seven years of his cricket journey were illuminated by other milestones

Post-cricket career, Cook was knighted for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|