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The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the English team badly required Ashes optimism

In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, the tourists need to regroup ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed for over thirty years

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

A Shining Knight's Achievement

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

Today commemorates the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba through a defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match during that famous series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory on Australian soil in the past 38 years

Unforgettable Series

This marked the start of his successful circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs

The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs throughout a campaign in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, with all victories by an innings

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

Cook's Memories

"People overlook the challenging periods, the tension and worry that went into that," Cook recalls

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part in a series when England triumphed 3-1 down under and all three games came through innings wins"

Path to Success

His journey toward Australian glory started a year and a half before at the end of that year's Ashes in the UK

Though England triumphed, the opener averaged less than 25 achieving merely one performance above 50

He desired better

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

Technical Transformation

Shortly after the victory celebrations, he was back at work facing countless of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

The initial results were encouraging

He scored three hundred-run innings on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

After coming back to British conditions during the 2010 season, Cook struggled significantly

Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his highest score reached only 29

Without runs at the end of the second day's play of the third Test versus Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced it might be his last Test innings prior to selection

"There I was in the hospitality area, trying to find the solution through drinking," he admits

The Turning Point

Cook's 110 guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour

England continued their preparations with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests down under

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

Record-Breaking Stand

Just before the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss opened England's second innings with a deficit of 221 runs

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

"I don't remember any instructions, our discussions," Cook remembers

The left-handers contributed 188 for the first wicket

His unbeaten 235 stood as the best performance from an English player down under for 82 years

Series Dominance

England capitalised on an incredible start in the second match at Adelaide

After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and struggled throughout

Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 in a famous match featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

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

What followed was perhaps England's single greatest day during Ashes competition down under

In Melbourne, the massive stadium of Australian cricket, and on Boxing Day, the Australian team were blown away for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," recalls Cook

The Final Victory

Fuelled by the focus to win the urn, Cook was at it again in Sydney

His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their highest total during Australian Tests

The uncertainty wasn't whether England would triumph the match and the Ashes, but the timing

"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the last player to claim triumph, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Enduring Impact

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons of his Test career included further accomplishments

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

"{I couldn't have played any better|