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Brisbane hasn't been a city to give the Three Lions badly required confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, the visiting team have to bounce back ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a stadium where victory has eluded England since 1986

English cricketers have frequently been outmatched opponents in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Triumph

Within recent memory of English disappointments, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration achieved by an exceptional player

Today commemorates a decade and a half after Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining 235 without loss, saving the first Test during that famous series and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil during recent memory

Unforgettable Series

It was the beginning of the victorious circumnavigation of Australia; three hundred-plus scores accumulating 766 runs

The legendary Hammond remains the sole English player with higher run totals during a Test series down under

The English triumphed 3-1, with every win via comprehensive wins

England hasn't achieved a Test here since that memorable series

Cook's Memories

"You forget the tough times, the nervousness and anxiety that went into that," Cook remembers

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England won 3-1 on Australian soil and all three games was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

His journey to down under success started a year and a half before after the 2009 series in the UK

England won, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance above 50

He sought improvement

"Despite cricket's collective nature, individual contribution does make you feel like you want to pull your weight," he notes

Game Improvement

Shortly after the triumphant events, he was back at work hitting hundreds and hundreds deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance

The initial results were encouraging

The batsman achieved three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

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

Across eight appearances against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score was 29

Scoreless overnight following day two of the third Test facing Pakistan in London, Cook believed he was playing his final Test performance before being dropped

"I found myself at the bar, attempting to discover the solution through drinking," he reveals

Critical Moment

The 110-run innings guaranteed his seat in the squad down under

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests in Australia

Come the first Test at the famous ground, they were hit by three wickets from Siddle

Record-Breaking Stand

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

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and followed up with an exhibition engraved in cricket memory

"I don't remember any instructions, our discussions," says Cook

The opening pair added 188 for the first wicket

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score from an English player down under for 82 years

Complete Control

The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session during the following Test in South Australia

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

The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters

What followed was arguably England's best performance of Ashes cricket on Australian soil

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the hosts were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, that defined it. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," recalls Cook

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to secure the Ashes, Cook excelled once more at the SCG

The 189-run innings contributed to England's 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The debate didn't concern whether England would triumph both match and urn, but when

"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to win the match, it represented an instant of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons of his Test career featured other milestones

Post-cricket career, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|