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Brisbane hasn't been a location providing the Three Lions some much-needed hope for the Ashes

Following the loss to the Australian side at the series start, England have to bounce back before heading to the famous Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England since 1986

English cricketers have habitually been outmatched opponents at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Triumph

Within recent memory of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration delivered by a cricket hero

Today commemorates 15 years since Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark unbeaten 235, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 and setting England on course toward their sole series victory down under during recent memory

Historic Achievement

It was the beginning of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three hundred-plus scores totaling 766 runs

The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs during a Test series down under

England won 3-1, with every win by an innings

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

Looking Back

"You forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," Cook remembers

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil and all three games were won by an innings"

Path to Success

The path to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier following the 2009 Ashes in England

Despite English victory, the opener had an average below 25 with just one score above 50

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality creates the sensation that personal responsibility matters," he states

Game Improvement

Just 48 hours following the celebrations, he was back at work facing countless bowls during training with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances proved positive

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

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to home soil during the 2010 season, the left-hander performed poorly

Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his top innings was 29

On nought not out at the end of the second day's play in the third match facing Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced this would be his final Test performance prior to selection

"There I was in the bar, trying to find the answer through drinking," he admits

The Turning Point

His century ensured his position for the Australian tour

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

As the opening match began in Brisbane, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

Shortly prior to the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings trailing by 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss when play concluded then continued with a performance etched in Ashes folklore

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

The opening pair accumulated 188 runs together

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score from an English player down under in eight decades

Series Dominance

England capitalised on an incredible start during the following Test in Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

Cook followed up his Queensland achievement by scoring 148 during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

Series Conclusion

Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble that would come later

The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket in Australia

At the MCG, the enormous ground of Australian sport, on the holiday, the Australian team were blown away for 98

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

Ultimate Success

Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the SCG

His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their record innings in a Test in Australia

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

"The feeling was unbelievable," says Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed the last player to claim triumph, that was a time of absolute joy"

Historical Significance

The batsman received top accolades

The subsequent seven years of his cricket journey were illuminated by further accomplishments

After retiring internationally, he was honored for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|