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Brisbane is not a location providing England some much-needed confidence in the series

After defeat by the hosts at the series start, England have to bounce back ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where victory has eluded England for over thirty years

Men wearing three lions have frequently been easy prey in Brisbane

Cook's Memorable Triumph

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players is a source of inspiration provided by a cricket hero

This marks a decade and a half after Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 without loss, preserving the initial Test of 2010-11 and setting England on course toward their sole series victory down under over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

It was the beginning of the victorious tour of Australia; three hundred-plus scores accumulating 766 runs

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

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

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

Personal Reflections

"One tends to forget the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern that went into that," the cricketer reflects

"With pride I remember. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil and all three games was achieved comprehensively"

Journey to Excellence

His journey to down under success began 18 months earlier following the 2009 series in the UK

Despite English victory, the opening batsman averaged less than 25 achieving merely one performance above 50

He wanted more

"Cricket is a team game, personal performance does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he states

Skill Development

Shortly after the triumphant events, he was back at work practicing numerous bowls during training under Graham Gooch's guidance

The initial results proved positive

The batsman achieved three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Pivotal Instances

Upon his return to England for that year's summer, the left-hander had a "stinker"

In eight innings facing these opponents, his best performance reached only 29

Without runs at the end of the second day's play of the third Test versus Pakistan in London, Cook was convinced it might be his final Test performance before being dropped

"I found myself in the hospitality area, seeking the resolution by drowning sorrows," he admits

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

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

When the first Test arrived in Brisbane, they were hit by Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Historic Partnership

An hour before day three's conclusion, the opening pair began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 at stumps and proceeded with an exhibition engraved in cricket memory

"My memory doesn't retain specific guidance, our conversations," Cook remembers

The left-handers contributed 188 together

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score achieved by a Briton on Australian soil since the 1930s

Series Dominance

England exploited an astonishing first morning during the following Test at Adelaide

After Anderson also dismissed the Australian batsman, the score read 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 during a memorable Test highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble that would come later

Then came possibly England's finest day in Ashes history on Australian soil

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, and on Boxing Day, the home side were dismissed for 98

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, this was it. Amazement prevailed as the day ended," Cook remembers

Ultimate Success

Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the SCG

His 189 lifted England to 644, their record innings during Australian Tests

The debate didn't concern whether England would triumph the game and series, but the timing

"The environment was electric," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to win the match, it was a moment of pure elation"

Historical Significance

Cook was player of the series

The remaining seven years of his cricket journey featured additional achievements

Following his international retirement, he was honored for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|