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The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the Three Lions crucial Ashes optimism

Following the loss to Australia at the series start, England need to regroup ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a ground where England have not won for over thirty years

English cricketers have habitually been outmatched opponents in Brisbane

Cook's Memorable Success

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

Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba with a career-defining unbeaten 235, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series establishing England's trajectory toward their sole series victory down under over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

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

The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs in a series in this country

Victory came 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins

The team hasn't secured a Test victory there since that memorable series

Looking Back

"You forget the tough times, the tension and worry accompanying that success," Cook recalls

"With pride I remember. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil where each victory were won by an innings"

Path to Success

Cook's road toward Australian glory commenced well before after the 2009 series in the UK

England won, Cook had an average below 25 managing only one innings above 50

He desired better

"Cricket is a team game, individual contribution generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he notes

Technical Transformation

Two days after the triumphant events, he was back facing countless bowls during training under Graham Gooch's guidance

Beginning performances showed promise

Cook made three hundred-run innings on overseas campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

Upon his return to England for that year's summer, the left-hander performed poorly

In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance was 29

On nought not out after day two in the third match against Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain it might be his final Test performance before being dropped

"I was sitting at the bar, trying to find the resolution through drinking," he confesses

Decisive Instance

Cook's 110 secured his place in the squad down under

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw in practice matches down under

As the opening match began in Brisbane, they encountered a Siddle hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Just before the end of the third day, the opening pair began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and proceeded with a performance remembered in Ashes history

"I cannot recall any instructions, our discussions," Cook remembers

Both left-handed batsmen accumulated 188 runs together

His unbeaten 235 represented the top score achieved by a Briton down under in eight decades

Complete Control

The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session of the second Test at Adelaide

Following Anderson's additional wicket the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement with 148 during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

Victory was possible the urn in Perth, however Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters

What followed was perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket on Australian soil

At the MCG, the massive stadium of sports down under, on the holiday, the home side collapsed to 98 all out

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, it was that. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," recalls Cook

The Final Victory

Driven by determination to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly in Sydney

His 189 lifted England to 644, their record innings during Australian Tests

The question was not if victory would come both match and urn, but the timing

"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to secure victory, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Historical Significance

He earned series honors

The subsequent seven years of his Test career featured other milestones

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

"{I couldn't have played any better|