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Brisbane is not a city to give England badly required confidence in the series

After defeat by Australia in the first Test, the tourists have to bounce back before heading to the famous Gabba, a venue where England have not won for over thirty years

Men wearing three lions have often become lambs to the slaughter at the Gabbatoir

Cook's Memorable Success

Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story achieved by an exceptional player

Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining unbeaten 235, preserving the initial Test of 2010-11 establishing England's trajectory toward their sole series victory down under during recent memory

Record-Breaking Performance

It was the beginning of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds and 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs in a series in this country

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

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

Personal Reflections

"One tends to forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern that went into that," the cricketer reflects

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

Journey to Excellence

Cook's road to down under success started a year and a half before after the 2009 series in the UK

Though England triumphed, the opener had an average below 25 achieving merely one performance above 50

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality generates the feeling like you want to pull your weight," he states

Skill Development

Shortly after the victory celebrations, he was back at work hitting hundreds and hundreds deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances showed promise

He scored three centuries on overseas campaigns against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Pivotal Instances

When Cook returned to home soil for that year's summer, the batsman had a "stinker"

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29

On nought not out at the end of the second day during the final Test versus Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain he was playing his last Test innings before being dropped

"I was sitting in the bar, attempting to discover the solution by drowning sorrows," he reveals

Critical Moment

Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games down under

As the opening match began at the famous ground, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Just before day three's conclusion, both batsmen opened England's second innings trailing by 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss by day's end and followed up through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore

"I cannot recall specific guidance, our discussions," Cook remembers

The opening pair contributed 188 in their partnership

His unbeaten 235 stood as the best performance by an Englishman down under for 82 years

Complete Control

England capitalised on a remarkable opening session of the second Test in South Australia

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

He continued his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings in a famous match for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers

Ultimate Victory

England could have retained the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters

The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket down under

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the massive stadium of Australian sport, on the holiday, the hosts were blown away for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," Cook remembers

Ultimate Success

Motivated by purpose to claim victory, Cook was at it again at the SCG

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

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

"The environment was electric," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to claim triumph, it was a moment of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

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

Post-cricket career, he was honored for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|