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The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the Three Lions some much-needed Ashes optimism

After defeat by Australia in the first Test, the visiting team have to bounce back before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed for over thirty years

Men wearing three lions have frequently been easy prey at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Success

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players is a source of inspiration provided by a cricket hero

Today commemorates 15 years since the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining unbeaten 235, saving the first Test of 2010-11 establishing England's trajectory toward their sole series victory on Australian soil during recent memory

Record-Breaking Performance

It was the beginning of the victorious tour of Australia; three hundreds and 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs during a Test series in this country

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

They have not won a Test here since that historic campaign

Cook's Memories

"You forget the challenging periods, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," Cook recalls

"I look back with pride. I played a significant part during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 in Australia with every match was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

His journey to down under success began 18 months earlier after the 2009 Ashes on home soil

Though England triumphed, the opener averaged less than 25 managing only one innings above 50

He wanted more

"Despite cricket's collective nature, individual contribution does make you feel that you must contribute adequately," he notes

Skill Development

Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back at work hitting hundreds and hundreds of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances showed promise

He scored three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours 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 against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance reached only 29

Without runs following the second day in the third match against Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain it might be his last Test innings prior to selection

"I was sitting in the bar, seeking the resolution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings secured his place on the plane to Australia

Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one in practice matches on Australian soil

As the opening match began at the famous ground, they faced three wickets from Siddle

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, both batsmen started the English reply trailing by 221 runs

They reached 19-0 at stumps and proceeded through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

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

Both left-handed batsmen added 188 for the first wicket

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score by an Englishman on Australian soil since the 1930s

Complete Control

England capitalised on an incredible start of the second Test at Adelaide

After Anderson also dismissed the Australian batsman, the score read 2-3 and struggled throughout

He continued his Queensland achievement by scoring 148 during a memorable Test highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

Series Conclusion

The English might have secured the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

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

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out

"For ideal Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief when play concluded," says Cook

Ultimate Success

Motivated by purpose to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again at the SCG

The 189-run innings lifted England to 644, their record innings on Australian soil

The question was not if England would win both match and urn, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to win the match, that was a time of complete happiness"

Enduring Impact

He earned series honors

The remaining seven years in his international career were illuminated by further accomplishments

Post-cricket career, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|