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Brisbane is not a city to give England badly required confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the hosts during the opening match, England must stir themselves before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where England have not won for decades

Players representing England have habitually been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Success

Within recent memory of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale achieved by a shining knight

Today commemorates 15 years since Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba through a defining unbeaten 235, rescuing the opening match during that famous series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil during recent memory

Historic Achievement

It was the beginning of his successful tour of Australia; three centuries and 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond stands as the only Briton with higher run totals throughout a campaign in this country

Victory came 3-1, with all victories through innings victories

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

Looking Back

"You forget the difficult moments, the nervousness and anxiety accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects

"With pride I remember. I played a significant part in a tournament that saw England won 3-1 down under where each victory were won by an innings"

The Road to Greatness

Cook's road to his Australian epic started a year and a half before at the end of that year's Ashes in the UK

England won, the opening batsman had an average below 25 achieving merely one performance over fifty

He sought improvement

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality creates the sensation like you want to pull your weight," he explains

Game Improvement

Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back practicing numerous bowls during training under Graham Gooch's guidance

Beginning performances were encouraging

He scored three centuries on overseas campaigns against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Crucial Turning Points

When Cook returned to England during the 2010 season, Cook performed poorly

In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29

Without runs at the end of the second day's play during the final Test against Pakistan in London, Cook believed it might be his last Test innings prior to selection

"I was sitting at the bar, seeking the resolution by drowning sorrows," he reveals

Decisive Instance

Cook's 110 secured his place on the plane to Australia

Preparation continued through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games in Australia

When the first Test arrived at the famous ground, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss by day's end then continued through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

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

Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score by an Englishman on Australian soil for 82 years

Series Dominance

England exploited a remarkable opening session in the second match at Adelaide

After Anderson also dismissed the opposition player, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

Series Conclusion

The English might have secured the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble that would come later

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

At the MCG, the enormous ground of sports down under, during Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98

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

The Final Victory

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

His 189 contributed to England's 644, their record innings on Australian soil

The question was not if England would win the game and series, but the timing

"The feeling was unbelievable," says Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed the final batsman to claim triumph, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons of his Test career were illuminated by further accomplishments

Post-cricket career, Cook was knighted for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|