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The Queensland capital isn't a city to give England badly required confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, England need to regroup ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a ground where victory has eluded England since 1986

Men wearing three lions have habitually been easy prey at this challenging venue

Cook's Memorable Success

Within recent memory of English disappointments, hopes and athletes lies an inspirational story provided by an exceptional player

Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph down under during recent memory

Record-Breaking Performance

This marked the start of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds and 766 runs

The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals throughout a campaign on Australian soil

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

England hasn't achieved success at this venue since that memorable series

Personal Reflections

"You forget the difficult moments, the tension and worry that went into that," Cook remembers

"With pride I remember. I played a significant part in a series when England won 3-1 on Australian soil with every match came through innings wins"

Journey to Excellence

His journey toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier after that year's Ashes in the UK

Though England triumphed, Cook had an average below 25 achieving merely one performance over fifty

He desired better

"Despite cricket's collective nature, individual contribution does make you feel like you want to pull your weight," he notes

Technical Transformation

Two days after the triumphant events, he was back practicing numerous bowls during training with Graham Gooch

Early outcomes showed promise

Cook made three hundreds on the 2009-10 winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

Upon his return to home soil for the 2010 summer, the left-hander had a "stinker"

In eight innings versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score was 29

On nought not out following the second day of the third Test against Pakistan in London, Cook was convinced it might be his last Test innings prior to selection

"I found myself in the hospitality area, attempting to discover the resolution by drowning sorrows," he confesses

Decisive Instance

Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

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

When the first Test arrived at the Gabba, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Just before the third day's close, the opening pair started the English reply with a deficit of 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss at stumps and proceeded with an exhibition engraved in cricket memory

"I cannot recall any instructions, anything of what we spoke about," Cook remembers

The left-handers added 188 in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score achieved by a Briton on Australian soil for 82 years

Complete Control

The English took advantage of an astonishing first morning in the second match in South Australia

When Anderson also nicked off the Australian batsman, the hosts stood at 2-3 and couldn't recover

Cook followed up his Brisbane success by scoring 148 in a Test remembered highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian bowling

Series Conclusion

Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, only for Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

What followed was arguably England's best performance of Ashes cricket in Australia

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, on the holiday, the hosts were dismissed for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Amazement prevailed at the end of the day," recalls Cook

Series Conclusion

Fuelled by the focus to win the urn, Cook excelled once more at the SCG

The 189-run innings helped England reach 644, their highest total during Australian Tests

The debate didn't concern if England would win the match and the Ashes, but the timing

"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook

"When Tremlett got Michael Beer to secure victory, it was a moment of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons in his international career featured additional achievements

After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|