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Brisbane is not a place that offers England crucial confidence in the series

Following the loss to the hosts in the first Test, England must stir themselves for a trip to the Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed for over thirty years

Men wearing three lions have frequently been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

Cook's Memorable Success

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies exists a motivational tale delivered by an exceptional player

This marks the 15th anniversary of the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining unbeaten 235, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win in Australia over nearly four decades

Record-Breaking Performance

It commenced of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three centuries accumulating 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond stands as the only Briton with higher run totals during a Test series in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, where each success through innings victories

The team hasn't secured a Test here since that historic campaign

Looking Back

"One tends to forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects

"I look back with pride. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil and all three games were won by an innings"

Path to Success

The path to his Australian epic started a year and a half before following that year's Ashes in the UK

England won, the opener scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance exceeding half-century

He desired better

"Despite cricket's collective nature, individual contribution generates the feeling like you want to pull your weight," he states

Technical Transformation

Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back at work facing countless deliveries in practice alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances showed promise

He scored three centuries during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

After coming back to British conditions during the 2010 season, the batsman performed poorly

Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his highest score reached only 29

Without runs after the second day's play of the third Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced it might be his final Test performance prior to selection

"I found myself in the hospitality area, trying to find the solution through drinking," he reveals

The Turning Point

Cook's 110 secured his place in the squad down under

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

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

Record-Breaking Stand

An hour before the third day's close, both batsmen opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs

They reached 19-0 at stumps and proceeded through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

"I cannot recall the messages, our discussions," recalls Cook

Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 together

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score achieved by a Briton down under for 82 years

Series Dominance

The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session during the following Test in Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off the Australian batsman, the hosts stood at 2-3 and never recovered

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

Ultimate Victory

England could have retained the urn in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction that would come later

What followed was arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition on Australian soil

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, and on Boxing Day, the home side were dismissed for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Amazement prevailed as the day ended," recalls Cook

The Final Victory

Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook was at it again in Sydney

His 189 lifted England to 644, their record innings in a Test in Australia

The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come the match and the Ashes, but the timing

"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers

"When Tremlett got the last player to win the match, it was a moment of absolute joy"

Historical Significance

The batsman received top accolades

The following seven seasons in his international career featured additional achievements

Post-cricket career, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|