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Brisbane is not a city to give the Three Lions some much-needed confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the Australian side at the series start, the tourists have to bounce back before heading to the Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

Men wearing three lions have often become easy prey at this challenging venue

Cook's Memorable Achievement

Among a recent history of English disappointments, hopes and athletes lies an inspirational story provided by a shining knight

It is exactly a decade and a half after Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba via a landmark unbeaten 235, preserving the initial Test from the 2010-11 series establishing England's trajectory to their only Ashes series win in Australia in the past 38 years

Historic Achievement

It commenced of the victorious circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds totaling 766 runs

Wally Hammond remains the sole English player with higher run totals in a series on Australian soil

England won 3-1, where each success through innings victories

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

Looking Back

"People overlook the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook remembers

"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory in Australia where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

Journey to Excellence

His journey to down under success commenced well before following the 2009 Ashes on home soil

England won, the opening batsman averaged less than 25 achieving merely one performance exceeding half-century

He sought improvement

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he explains

Technical Transformation

Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back practicing numerous deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances proved positive

The batsman achieved three hundreds on overseas campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

When Cook returned to home soil during the 2010 season, the batsman had a "stinker"

Across eight appearances versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance reached only 29

Without runs at the end of the second day's play of the third Test facing Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain he was playing his last Test innings prior to selection

"I found myself at the bar, trying to find the answer through drinking," he admits

The Turning Point

The 110-run innings secured his place in the squad down under

England continued their preparations by winning two and drawing one in practice matches down under

When the first Test arrived at the famous ground, they faced Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, the opening pair started the English reply needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end then continued with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

"I cannot recall any instructions, anything of what we spoke about," says Cook

The opening pair accumulated 188 runs in their partnership

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score by an Englishman on Australian soil for 82 years

Total Command

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

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and couldn't recover

Cook followed up his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers

Ultimate Victory

England could have retained the urn in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later

The subsequent events included arguably England's best performance of Ashes cricket in Australia

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, on the holiday, the home side collapsed to 98 all out

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

Ultimate Success

Motivated by purpose to win the urn, 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 England would win the game and series, rather when

"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook

"When Tremlett got Michael Beer to win the match, that was a time of pure elation"

Enduring Impact

He earned series honors

The subsequent seven years of his Test career were illuminated by additional achievements

Post-cricket career, he was honored for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|