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Brisbane is not a place that offers the Three Lions crucial confidence in the series

After defeat by the hosts in the first Test, England have to bounce back before heading to the Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for decades

English cricketers have often become lambs to the slaughter at the Gabbatoir

The Inspirational Success

Within recent memory of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story provided by a cricket hero

Today commemorates a decade and a half after Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark unbeaten 235, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

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

The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton with higher run totals throughout a campaign down under

The English triumphed 3-1, with every win by an innings

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

Looking Back

"People overlook the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern that went into that," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part in a tournament that saw the English secured a 3-1 victory in Australia and all three games came through innings wins"

The Road to Greatness

Cook's road to down under success began 18 months earlier at the end of that year's Ashes on home soil

Though England triumphed, Cook scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance over fifty

He desired better

"Despite cricket's collective nature, individual contribution generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he notes

Game Improvement

Two days after the celebrations, he returned facing countless bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch

The initial results showed promise

The batsman achieved three hundred-run innings during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

When Cook returned to home soil for the 2010 summer, Cook had a "stinker"

Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his best performance was 29

Scoreless overnight at the end of the second day's play of the third Test versus Pakistan in London, Cook was convinced this would be his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"I was sitting in the hospitality area, seeking the resolution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings ensured his position in the squad down under

The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests down under

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they encountered a Siddle hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to the third day's close, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings with a deficit of 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss by day's end and followed up with a performance engraved in cricket memory

"I don't remember specific guidance, our discussions," recalls Cook

The left-handers added 188 together

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score from an English player in Australia for 82 years

Complete Control

England capitalised on an astonishing first morning during the following Test at Adelaide

After Anderson also dismissed the opposition player, the score read 2-3 and couldn't recover

Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

Ultimate Victory

England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters

What followed was perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket down under

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the hosts were dismissed for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," recalls Cook

Series Conclusion

Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the SCG

His 189 lifted England to 644, their highest total during Australian Tests

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

"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to win the match, that was a time of complete happiness"

Enduring Impact

Cook was player of the series

The remaining seven years in his international career were illuminated by additional achievements

After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|