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Brisbane is not a place that offers the English team crucial hope for the Ashes

After defeat by the Australian side at the series start, the tourists must stir themselves ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed for decades

Players representing England have often become lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

Cook's Memorable Success

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, hopes and athletes is a source of inspiration achieved by a cricket hero

Today commemorates a decade and a half after the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining 235 not out, saving the first Test during that famous series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia during recent memory

Record-Breaking Performance

It was the beginning of the victorious Australian campaign; three hundred-plus scores and 766 runs

The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton who has made more runs throughout a campaign on Australian soil

England won 3-1, where each success by an innings

They have not won a Test victory there since that memorable series

Cook's Memories

"People overlook the tough times, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," Cook remembers

"I look back with pride. My contribution was substantial in a series when England triumphed 3-1 in Australia where each victory came through innings wins"

Journey to Excellence

The path toward Australian glory commenced well before after the 2009 series in England

England won, Cook scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings above 50

He desired better

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he notes

Technical Transformation

Two days after the celebrations, he was back facing countless deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

Early outcomes proved positive

He scored three centuries during winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to British conditions for the 2010 summer, the batsman struggled significantly

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

Without runs at the end of the second day of the third Test versus Pakistan in London, Cook believed this would be his final Test performance prior to selection

"I found myself in the bar, attempting to discover the solution by drowning sorrows," he confesses

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings secured his place on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one in practice matches in Australia

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they were hit by three wickets from Siddle

Record-Breaking Stand

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, both batsmen began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and followed up with a performance engraved in cricket memory

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

The opening pair added 188 in their partnership

His unbeaten 235 was the highest score from an English player in Australia since the 1930s

Complete Control

The English took advantage of an incredible start in the second match at Adelaide

Following Anderson's additional wicket the opposition player, the hosts stood at 2-3 and never recovered

Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 in a famous match for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, however Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters

What followed was arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition down under

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian sport, during Boxing Day, the Australian team were dismissed for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief as the day ended," Cook remembers

Ultimate Success

Motivated by purpose to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come the match and the Ashes, rather when

"The environment was electric," says Cook

"When Tremlett got Michael Beer to claim triumph, it represented an instant of complete happiness"

Historical Significance

Cook was player of the series

The subsequent seven years of his Test career were illuminated by other milestones

After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|