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

After defeat by the hosts in the first Test, England must stir themselves before heading to the famous Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for over thirty years

English cricketers have often become outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

The Inspirational Achievement

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale achieved by an exceptional player

It is exactly the 15th anniversary of the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining unbeaten 235, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

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

The legendary Hammond remains the sole English player with higher run totals in a series on Australian soil

Victory came 3-1, where each success through innings victories

England hasn't achieved a Test here since that historic campaign

Looking Back

"You forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," Cook remembers

"I look back with pride. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil with every match came through innings wins"

Path to Success

Cook's road to down under success commenced well before after the 2009 series on home soil

Despite English victory, the opener had an average below 25 with just one score exceeding half-century

He wanted more

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

Technical Transformation

Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he was back hitting hundreds and hundreds deliveries in practice alongside Graham Gooch

The initial results proved positive

The batsman achieved three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Pivotal Instances

When Cook returned to home soil during the 2010 season, Cook had a "stinker"

In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance totaled just 29 runs

Scoreless overnight at the end of the second day's play of the third Test facing Pakistan at The Oval, Cook believed he was playing his final Test performance ahead of potential omission

"I was sitting in the bar, seeking the solution by drowning sorrows," he confesses

Decisive Instance

His century guaranteed his seat in the squad down under

Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games in Australia

When the first Test arrived in Brisbane, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, both batsmen began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs

They reached 19-0 when play concluded and followed up with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

"My memory doesn't retain the messages, our discussions," says Cook

The left-handers added 188 in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score achieved by a Briton in Australia for 82 years

Series Dominance

England exploited a remarkable opening session of the second Test in South Australia

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and struggled throughout

He continued his Queensland achievement with 148 in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the urn in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later

The subsequent events included arguably England's best performance in Ashes history down under

At the MCG, the enormous ground of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," recalls Cook

The Final Victory

Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook was at it again at the SCG

The 189-run innings contributed to England's 644, their record innings on Australian soil

The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come the game and series, but when

"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers

"After Tremlett dismissed the final batsman to win the match, that was a time of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons of his Test career featured further accomplishments

Following his international retirement, he was honored for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|