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The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the English team crucial hope for the Ashes

Following the loss to Australia in the first Test, the visiting team must stir themselves before heading to the Gabba, a ground where England have not won for over thirty years

English cricketers have frequently been lambs to the slaughter in Brisbane

Cook's Memorable Success

Among a recent history of broken English hopes, hopes and athletes is a source of inspiration provided by an exceptional player

It is exactly 15 years since Sir Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba through a defining 235 without loss, saving the first Test during that famous series and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

It commenced of the victorious Australian campaign; three centuries and 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs in a series in this country

Victory came 3-1, where each success by an innings

England hasn't achieved success at this venue since those glory days

Personal Reflections

"You forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern that went into that," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil and all three games came through innings wins"

Path to Success

Cook's road to his Australian epic commenced well before following the 2009 series in England

England won, the opener scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance above 50

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he notes

Game Improvement

Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back facing countless bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances showed promise

The batsman achieved three centuries during winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Career-Defining Moments

Upon his return to British conditions for that year's summer, the batsman struggled significantly

Across eight appearances versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings totaled just 29 runs

On nought not out after the second day's play during the final Test against Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain he was playing his last Test innings before being dropped

"I was sitting at the bar, seeking the resolution through drinking," he admits

Critical Moment

His century ensured his position on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests down under

Come the first Test at the Gabba, they were hit by Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Just before the third day's close, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss at stumps and followed up with a performance etched in Ashes folklore

"I don't remember any instructions, anything of what we spoke about," recalls Cook

The opening pair added 188 in their partnership

His unbeaten 235 was the highest score achieved by a Briton in Australia in eight decades

Series Dominance

England exploited an astonishing first morning in the second match at Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

He continued his Queensland achievement with 148 in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers

The Final Triumph

Victory was possible the urn in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters

Then came perhaps England's single greatest day during Ashes competition on Australian soil

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the massive stadium of Australian sport, during Boxing Day, the home side were dismissed for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. There was disbelief at the end of the day," recalls Cook

Series Conclusion

Fuelled by the focus to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again at the SCG

The 189-run innings helped England reach 644, their highest total in a Test in Australia

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

"The environment was electric," says Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to claim triumph, that was a time of pure elation"

Historical Significance

Cook was player of the series

The remaining seven years in his international career featured further accomplishments

Following his international retirement, Cook was knighted for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|