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

In the wake of losing to the Australian side at the series start, the tourists need to regroup for a trip to Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed for over thirty years

Men wearing three lions have often become lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

A Shining Knight's Triumph

Among a recent history of broken English hopes, dreams and bodies exists a motivational tale delivered by a cricket hero

Today commemorates 15 years since Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba via a landmark 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil during recent memory

Unforgettable Series

It commenced of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three centuries accumulating 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs in a series in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, with all victories via comprehensive wins

England hasn't achieved a Test victory there since that historic campaign

Personal Reflections

"One tends to forget the difficult moments, the nervousness and anxiety that went into that," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part during a campaign where England won 3-1 on Australian soil with every match was achieved comprehensively"

Journey to Excellence

Cook's road to down under success commenced well before following that year's Ashes in England

Despite English victory, the opener scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings over fifty

He wanted more

"Cricket is a team game, individual contribution generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he states

Skill Development

Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back at work facing countless deliveries in practice alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances proved positive

Cook made three hundreds during winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Pivotal Instances

After coming back to England during the 2010 season, the left-hander had a "stinker"

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his highest score totaled just 29 runs

Scoreless overnight following the second day's play during the final Test against Pakistan in London, Cook believed this would be his final Test performance ahead of potential omission

"I found myself in the hospitality area, attempting to discover the solution by drowning sorrows," he reveals

The Turning Point

His century ensured his position for the Australian tour

The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests down under

Come the first Test in Brisbane, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Just before the third day's close, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings trailing by 221 runs

They reached 19-0 when play concluded then continued through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore

"My memory doesn't retain any instructions, our discussions," recalls Cook

The opening pair added 188 for the first wicket

Cook's 235 not out stood as the best performance by an Englishman in Australia since the 1930s

Total Command

England capitalised on an incredible start in the second match in South Australia

Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

He continued his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian bowling

Series Conclusion

England could have retained the urn in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble he would cause four years later

Then came perhaps England's single greatest day during Ashes competition on Australian soil

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

"For ideal Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief as the day ended," says Cook

Ultimate Success

Fuelled by the focus to secure the Ashes, Cook excelled once more in Sydney

His 189 helped England reach 644, their highest total in a Test in Australia

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

"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to win the match, it was a moment of pure elation"

Historical Significance

He earned series honors

The following seven seasons of his Test career were illuminated by other milestones

After retiring internationally, he was honored for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|