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Brisbane hasn't been a location providing England some much-needed hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to the hosts during the opening match, the visiting team need to regroup ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a ground where England have not won for over thirty years

Men wearing three lions have frequently been easy prey in Brisbane

The Inspirational Success

Among a recent history of English disappointments, aspirations and players is a source of inspiration delivered by an exceptional player

Today commemorates a decade and a half after the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba through a defining 235 not out, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win in Australia during recent memory

Record-Breaking Performance

It commenced of the victorious tour of Australia; three centuries totaling 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs throughout a campaign down under

England won 3-1, with all victories through innings victories

They have not won a Test here since those glory days

Personal Reflections

"People overlook the tough times, the tension and worry accompanying that success," Cook recalls

"With pride I remember. I played a significant part in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

The path to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier at the end of that year's Ashes in the UK

Though England triumphed, the opening batsman had an average below 25 managing only one innings over fifty

He desired better

"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution does make you feel like you want to pull your weight," he explains

Technical Transformation

Two days after the triumphant events, he was back at work facing countless of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

The initial results were encouraging

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

Pivotal Instances

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

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings reached only 29

Scoreless overnight after day two during the final Test against Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain it might be his last Test innings before being dropped

"I found myself in the bar, attempting to discover the answer through drinking," he reveals

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings ensured his position in the squad down under

Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests in Australia

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

An hour before the third day's close, Cook and Strauss started the English reply trailing by 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss by day's end and followed up with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history

"I don't remember any instructions, our conversations," recalls Cook

The left-handers contributed 188 together

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score from an English player on Australian soil for 82 years

Total Command

England capitalised on an astonishing first morning of the second Test in Adelaide

Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered

Cook followed up his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a famous match featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

Ultimate Victory

The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to foreshadow the havoc he would cause four years later

Then came arguably England's best performance in Ashes history on Australian soil

In Melbourne, the enormous ground of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the hosts were blown away for 98

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

Series Conclusion

Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook was at it again at the Sydney Cricket Ground

The 189-run innings helped England reach 644, their best score during Australian Tests

The uncertainty wasn't whether England would triumph the game and series, rather when

"The environment was electric," Cook remembers

"When Tremlett got the final batsman to win the match, it was a moment of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

He earned series honors

The subsequent seven years in his international career were illuminated by additional achievements

Post-cricket career, he was honored for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|