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Brisbane is not a city to give the Three Lions crucial hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to Australia at the series start, the tourists have to bounce back for a trip to the famous Gabba, a venue where England have not won for over thirty years

Men wearing three lions have often become outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

The Inspirational Success

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies lies an inspirational story provided by an exceptional player

This marks the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 not out, saving the first Test during that famous series paving England's path to their only Ashes series win in Australia in the past 38 years

Historic Achievement

It commenced of his successful circumnavigation of Australia; three hundred-plus scores totaling 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs during a Test series on Australian soil

Victory came 3-1, with every win by an innings

They have not won a Test victory there since that historic campaign

Looking Back

"You forget the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook remembers

"I look back with pride. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England won 3-1 down under with every match came through innings wins"

Path to Success

Cook's road to down under success began 18 months earlier at the end of the 2009 Ashes in the UK

Despite English victory, Cook averaged less than 25 managing only one innings over fifty

He desired better

"Despite cricket's collective nature, individual contribution does make you feel that you must contribute adequately," he notes

Technical Transformation

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

Beginning performances were encouraging

He scored three hundred-run innings during winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Crucial Turning Points

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

Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his top innings totaled just 29 runs

Scoreless overnight after the second day's play in the third match versus Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced it might be his last Test innings before being dropped

"I was sitting in the hospitality area, trying to find the solution through drinking," he reveals

The Turning Point

Cook's 110 ensured his position on the plane to Australia

Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one in practice matches down under

Come the first Test at the famous ground, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss by day's end then continued with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history

"I don't remember the messages, our conversations," says Cook

Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 together

Cook's 235 not out stood as the best performance achieved by a Briton on Australian soil since the 1930s

Complete Control

England capitalised on a remarkable opening session during the following Test at Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and couldn't recover

Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

England could have retained the urn in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters

The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day in Ashes history on Australian soil

At the MCG, the massive stadium of sports down under, on the holiday, the Australian team were blown away for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Incredulity reigned when play concluded," recalls Cook

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to win the urn, Cook was at it again in Sydney

The 189-run innings helped England reach 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The question was not if England would win the match and the Ashes, but the timing

"The environment was electric," says Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the last player to secure victory, it was a moment of pure elation"

Historical Significance

The batsman received top accolades

The subsequent seven years of his cricket journey were illuminated by additional achievements

Post-cricket career, Cook was knighted for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|