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The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers England crucial Ashes optimism

After defeat by Australia in the first Test, the visiting team must stir themselves ahead of visiting the Gabba, a venue where England have not won for decades

Players representing England have often become outmatched opponents in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Achievement

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

This marks 15 years since Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, saving the first Test of 2010-11 paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia during recent memory

Record-Breaking Performance

This marked the start of the victorious Australian campaign; three centuries accumulating 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals throughout a campaign on Australian soil

England won 3-1, with every win via comprehensive wins

England hasn't achieved success at this venue since those glory days

Personal Reflections

"You forget the difficult moments, the nervousness and anxiety involved in that achievement," Cook remembers

"With pride I remember. I played a significant part in a tournament that saw England won 3-1 on Australian soil with every match was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

The path to down under success began 18 months earlier after the 2009 Ashes in the UK

Despite English victory, Cook averaged less than 25 managing only one innings above 50

He wanted more

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

Game Improvement

Shortly after the triumphant events, he was back practicing numerous bowls during training under Graham Gooch's guidance

Beginning performances were encouraging

He scored three hundred-run innings during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

When Cook returned to England for that year's summer, Cook had a "stinker"

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his best performance was 29

Without runs following the second day's play of the third Test facing Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced he was playing his last Test innings prior to selection

"I found myself at the bar, trying to find the solution through drinking," he reveals

The Turning Point

His century ensured his position on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games on Australian soil

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they encountered three wickets from Siddle

Historic Partnership

An hour before the end of the third day, both batsmen began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs

They reached 19-0 by day's end and proceeded with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history

"My memory doesn't retain any instructions, our conversations," Cook remembers

Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 together

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score from an English player on Australian soil for 82 years

Total Command

England exploited a remarkable opening session in the second match in South Australia

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and struggled throughout

Cook followed up his Queensland achievement with 148 in a famous match for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the series in Western Australia, only for Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc that would come later

What followed was arguably England's best performance in Ashes history on Australian soil

At the MCG, the enormous ground of sports down under, on the holiday, the home side were blown away for 98

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

Ultimate Success

Fuelled by the focus to win the urn, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 lifted England to 644, their record innings on Australian soil

The uncertainty wasn't if England would win the game and series, but the timing

"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to claim triumph, that was a time of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons in his international career featured further accomplishments

Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|