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Brisbane hasn't been a location providing the Three Lions badly required Ashes optimism

In the wake of losing to Australia at the series start, the visiting team need to regroup for a trip to the Gabba, a stadium where victory has eluded England since 1986

English cricketers have often become outmatched opponents in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Success

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

This marks a decade and a half after Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 without loss, preserving the initial Test during that famous series paving England's path to their only Ashes series win in Australia over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

This marked the start of the victorious Australian campaign; three hundred-plus scores accumulating 766 runs

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

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

England hasn't achieved a Test here since that memorable series

Looking Back

"You forget the difficult moments, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," Cook remembers

"I look back with pride. I made an important impact in a series when England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

Journey to Excellence

The path to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier at the end of the 2009 Ashes on home soil

Despite English victory, the opener averaged less than 25 managing only one innings over fifty

He wanted more

"Cricket is a team game, the individuality creates the sensation that you must contribute adequately," he states

Technical Transformation

Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back practicing numerous of balls in the nets under Graham Gooch's guidance

Early outcomes showed promise

The batsman achieved three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

When Cook returned to England during the 2010 season, the batsman performed poorly

In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings was 29

On nought not out at the end of the second day's play during the final Test against Pakistan in London, Cook was convinced he was playing his last Test innings before being dropped

"I found myself in the bar, attempting to discover the resolution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

England continued their preparations with two victories and one draw of their warm-up games in Australia

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

Record-Breaking Stand

Just before day three's conclusion, the opening pair began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 at stumps and proceeded with a performance etched in Ashes folklore

"I don't remember the messages, our discussions," recalls Cook

The left-handers accumulated 188 runs in their partnership

His unbeaten 235 represented the top score from an English player in Australia for 82 years

Complete Control

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

When Anderson also nicked off the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered

Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

Series Conclusion

England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters

What followed was possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition on Australian soil

In Melbourne, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, and on Boxing Day, the Australian team were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, that defined it. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," recalls Cook

The Final Victory

Driven by determination to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again at the SCG

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

The debate didn't concern if victory would come the game and series, rather when

"The environment was electric," says Cook

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

Historical Significance

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons in his international career were illuminated by additional achievements

After retiring internationally, he was honored for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|