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Brisbane hasn't been a city to give the Three Lions some much-needed confidence in the series

Following the loss to the hosts in the first Test, the tourists must stir themselves ahead of visiting the Gabba, a ground where England have not won for decades

English cricketers have habitually been outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Success

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

This marks a decade and a half after Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining 235 not out, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory down under over nearly four decades

Record-Breaking Performance

It commenced of Cook's triumphant tour of Australia; three centuries and 766 runs

The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs in a series in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, with every win via comprehensive wins

England hasn't achieved a Test victory there since those glory days

Cook's Memories

"One tends to forget the tough times, the tension and worry that went into that," Cook recalls

"I look back with pride. I made an important impact in a series when England won 3-1 in Australia where each victory were won by an innings"

Path to Success

Cook's road to down under success commenced well before following the 2009 series in England

Despite English victory, the opener averaged less than 25 with just one score exceeding half-century

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality creates the sensation like you want to pull your weight," he explains

Game Improvement

Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back at work facing countless bowls during training with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances showed promise

Cook made three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

When Cook returned to British conditions for the 2010 summer, Cook struggled significantly

Across eight appearances against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score totaled just 29 runs

On nought not out after the second day's play during the final Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, the batsman felt certain this would be his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"I found myself in the hospitality area, attempting to discover the answer in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

Critical Moment

His century ensured his position for the Australian tour

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw in practice matches down under

Come the first Test at the famous ground, they faced three wickets from Siddle

Memorable Collaboration

Just before the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss at stumps and followed up through a demonstration engraved in cricket memory

"My memory doesn't retain specific guidance, our conversations," says Cook

The left-handers added 188 together

His unbeaten 235 was the highest score by an Englishman in Australia for 82 years

Total Command

England exploited a remarkable opening session during the following Test in South Australia

After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

The English might have secured the series in Western Australia, however Johnson to indicate the trouble that would come later

What followed was arguably England's best performance in Ashes history down under

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, and on Boxing Day, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. Amazement prevailed at the end of the day," says Cook

The Final Victory

Motivated by purpose to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the Sydney Cricket Ground

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

The question was not whether England would triumph both match and urn, but when

"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook

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

Legacy and Recognition

The batsman received top accolades

The subsequent seven years in his international career featured further accomplishments

Post-cricket career, he was honored for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|