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The Queensland capital isn't a city to give the English team crucial hope for the Ashes

Following the loss to Australia in the first Test, the visiting team must stir themselves for a trip to the famous Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

Men wearing three lions have habitually been easy prey at this challenging venue

A Shining Knight's Triumph

Among a recent history of broken English hopes, hopes and athletes is a source of inspiration achieved by a shining knight

Today commemorates a decade and a half after the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match during that famous series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory in Australia during recent memory

Unforgettable Series

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

Wally Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs in a series in this country

Victory came 3-1, with all victories by an innings

They have not won a Test here since that memorable series

Looking Back

"People overlook the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," Cook recalls

"With pride I remember. I made an important impact during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory down under and all three games was achieved comprehensively"

Journey to Excellence

The path toward Australian glory started a year and a half before after the 2009 Ashes in England

Despite English victory, Cook averaged less than 25 with just one score exceeding half-century

He wanted more

"Cricket is a team game, individual contribution does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he explains

Game Improvement

Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he was back at work facing countless deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

The initial results were encouraging

Cook made three hundreds on the 2009-10 winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to home soil during the 2010 season, the batsman struggled significantly

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his best performance totaled just 29 runs

Scoreless overnight following the second day's play of the third Test versus Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced he was playing his concluding international appearance prior to selection

"I found myself in the bar, trying to find the resolution through drinking," he reveals

Critical Moment

His century secured his place in the squad down under

Preparation continued through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games down under

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they encountered three wickets from Siddle

Memorable Collaboration

Just before day three's conclusion, the opening pair began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs

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

"I don't remember the messages, our discussions," says Cook

The left-handers added 188 for the first wicket

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score by an Englishman in Australia in eight decades

Series Dominance

The English took advantage of an incredible start in the second match in South Australia

Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

Cook followed up his Queensland achievement with 148 in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian bowling

Series Conclusion

England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to indicate the trouble he would cause four years later

What followed was arguably England's best performance in Ashes history down under

In Melbourne, the enormous ground of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the home side were dismissed for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, it was that. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," says Cook

The Final Victory

Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the SCG

His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total during Australian Tests

The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come the match and the Ashes, but when

"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to secure victory, that was a time of pure elation"

Enduring Impact

He earned series honors

The subsequent seven years of his cricket journey included other milestones

After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|