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Brisbane is not a place that offers the Three Lions badly required hope for the Ashes

After defeat by the hosts during the opening match, England must stir themselves for a trip to the Gabba, a stadium where England have not won for decades

Players representing England have habitually been lambs to the slaughter at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Triumph

Within recent memory of English disappointments, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale provided by an exceptional player

Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining 235 not out, preserving the initial Test of 2010-11 establishing England's trajectory to their only Ashes series win down under over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

It commenced of the victorious tour of Australia; three hundred-plus scores totaling 766 runs

The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs throughout a campaign in this country

England won 3-1, where each success by an innings

They have not won success at this venue since that memorable series

Looking Back

"People overlook the challenging periods, the tension and worry that went into that," the cricketer reflects

"With pride I remember. I made an important impact during a campaign where England won 3-1 down under with every match came through innings wins"

Path to Success

The path to down under success commenced well before after the 2009 series in the UK

England won, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings over fifty

He desired better

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

Skill Development

Two days after the celebrations, he was back at work practicing numerous deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance

Early outcomes proved positive

He scored three hundreds during winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

After coming back to home soil for that year's summer, the batsman performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score was 29

On nought not out following day two during the final Test versus Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced he was playing his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"I found myself at the bar, trying to find the answer by drowning sorrows," he admits

Critical Moment

His century guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games in Australia

As the opening match began at the famous ground, they encountered a Siddle hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Just before the end of the third day, both batsmen opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and followed up with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

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

Both left-handed batsmen added 188 in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal stood as the best performance from an English player in Australia in eight decades

Complete Control

England exploited an incredible start of the second Test in South Australia

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

Cook followed up his Queensland achievement by scoring 148 in a famous match for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

England could have retained the series in Western Australia, only for Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

What followed was perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket down under

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

"For ideal Boxing Days, that defined it. Incredulity reigned when play concluded," Cook remembers

Ultimate Success

Motivated by purpose to claim victory, Cook was at it again at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their record innings during Australian Tests

The uncertainty wasn't if England would win both match and urn, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed the final batsman to secure victory, it was a moment of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons in his international career featured additional achievements

Following his international retirement, he was honored for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|