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The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the Three Lions badly required hope for the Ashes

After defeat by Australia during the opening match, England must stir themselves for a trip to Brisbane's Gabba, a venue where England have not won since 1986

English cricketers have frequently been outmatched opponents in Brisbane

Cook's Memorable Triumph

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale achieved by a cricket hero

It is exactly the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark 235 not out, rescuing the opening match during that famous series establishing England's trajectory for their unique Ashes triumph down under over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

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

Cricket great Hammond stands as the only Briton who has made more runs throughout a campaign in this country

Victory came 3-1, with all victories through innings victories

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

Personal Reflections

"You forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I look back with pride. My contribution was substantial in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory in Australia and all three games came through innings wins"

Path to Success

His journey to down under success began 18 months earlier after that year's Ashes in the UK

England won, the opener scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings exceeding half-century

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution creates the sensation that you must contribute adequately," he notes

Technical Transformation

Two days after the celebrations, he was back facing countless of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances proved positive

He scored three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Pivotal Instances

When Cook returned to home soil for the 2010 summer, the batsman struggled significantly

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings reached only 29

Without runs after day two of the third Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, the batsman felt certain this would be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

"I was sitting in the hospitality area, trying to find the solution through drinking," he reveals

Critical Moment

His century guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests down under

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they faced a Siddle hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Just before the end of the third day, both batsmen started the English reply with a deficit of 221 runs

They reached 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

His unbeaten 235 stood as the best performance from an English player down under in eight decades

Complete Control

The English took advantage of an incredible start in the second match at Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and couldn't recover

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics with 148 in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the urn in Perth, however Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition on Australian soil

In Melbourne, the enormous ground of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, it was that. Amazement prevailed as the day ended," says Cook

Series Conclusion

Driven by determination to win the urn, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground

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

The uncertainty wasn't if England would win the match and the Ashes, but when

"The environment was electric," says Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed the final batsman to win the match, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The subsequent seven years of his Test career included further accomplishments

Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|