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Brisbane hasn't been a city to give the English team some much-needed hope for the Ashes

After defeat by the Australian side in the first Test, the tourists have to bounce back before heading to the famous Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

Men wearing three lions have frequently been easy prey in Brisbane

Cook's Memorable Achievement

Within recent memory of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies exists a motivational tale achieved by an exceptional player

It is exactly 15 years since Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 and setting England on course toward their sole series victory in Australia over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

This marked the start of the victorious tour of Australia; three hundreds and 766 runs

The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs throughout a campaign in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, with every win through innings victories

They have not won success at this venue since that historic campaign

Looking Back

"People overlook the difficult moments, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," Cook remembers

"With pride I remember. I made an important impact during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 in Australia where each victory were won by an innings"

Path to Success

Cook's road toward Australian glory commenced well before following the 2009 series on home soil

England won, the opening batsman had an average below 25 with just one score above 50

He desired better

"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution does make you feel that you must contribute adequately," he explains

Game Improvement

Shortly after the celebrations, he was back facing countless bowls during training with Graham Gooch

The initial results were encouraging

The batsman achieved three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

When Cook returned to England for the 2010 summer, the batsman had a "stinker"

In eight innings facing these opponents, his highest score reached only 29

On nought not out following the second day in the third match facing Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced this would be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

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

The Turning Point

The 110-run innings guaranteed his seat in the squad down under

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw of their warm-up games down under

When the first Test arrived at the Gabba, they encountered three wickets from Siddle

Record-Breaking Stand

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 at stumps and followed up with a performance etched in Ashes folklore

"I cannot recall the messages, our conversations," says Cook

Both left-handed batsmen added 188 in their partnership

Cook's 235 not out represented the top score achieved by a Briton down under since the 1930s

Total Command

The English took advantage of an astonishing first morning in the second match at Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off the opposition player, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

He continued his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

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

The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day during Ashes competition on Australian soil

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, and on Boxing Day, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, this was it. Amazement prevailed at the end of the day," Cook remembers

Series Conclusion

Motivated by purpose to secure the Ashes, Cook excelled once more in Sydney

His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The debate didn't concern if victory would come both match and urn, rather when

"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed the final batsman to win the match, it represented an instant of absolute joy"

Legacy and Recognition

The batsman received top accolades

The subsequent seven years of his cricket journey featured other milestones

Following his international retirement, Cook was knighted for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|