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Brisbane hasn't been a place that offers the Three Lions crucial hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to Australia in the first Test, the visiting team must stir themselves before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

Men wearing three lions have frequently been outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Achievement

Among a recent history of English disappointments, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale achieved by a shining knight

It is exactly a decade and a half after the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 paving England's path toward their sole series victory down under during recent memory

Unforgettable Series

This marked the start of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds totaling 766 runs

The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton who has made more runs in a series in this country

England won 3-1, with every win via comprehensive wins

The team hasn't secured a Test here since that memorable series

Cook's Memories

"One tends to forget the tough times, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial in a tournament that saw the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

The Road to Greatness

His journey to down under success started a year and a half before after that year's Ashes in the UK

Despite English victory, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings with just one score above 50

He sought improvement

"Cricket is a team game, the individuality creates the sensation like you want to pull your weight," he states

Skill Development

Just 48 hours following the celebrations, he was back at work facing countless deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

The initial results showed promise

The batsman achieved three centuries on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh

Pivotal Instances

Upon his return to England for the 2010 summer, Cook had a "stinker"

In eight innings facing these opponents, his top innings totaled just 29 runs

On nought not out at the end of day two during the final Test versus Pakistan at The Oval, Cook believed this would be his final Test performance ahead of potential omission

"There I was in the bar, attempting to discover the resolution by drowning sorrows," he confesses

The Turning Point

His century ensured his position in the squad down under

Preparation continued through successful warm-ups in practice matches on Australian soil

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

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, both batsmen opened England's second innings needing to overcome 221 runs

They reached 19-0 by day's end then continued through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

"I don't remember specific guidance, anything of what we spoke about," recalls Cook

The left-handers accumulated 188 runs in their partnership

Cook's 235 not out stood as the best performance achieved by a Briton down under for 82 years

Complete Control

England capitalised on a remarkable opening session during the following Test in Adelaide

Following Anderson's additional wicket the Australian batsman, the score read 2-3 and never recovered

Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

Series Conclusion

England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to indicate the trouble he would cause four years later

Then came perhaps England's single greatest day in Ashes history on Australian soil

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the home side collapsed to 98 all out

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, that defined it. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," Cook remembers

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to win the urn, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their record innings in a Test in Australia

The debate didn't concern if England would win both match and urn, but the timing

"The feeling was unbelievable," says Cook

"When Tremlett got the final batsman to claim triumph, that was a time of pure elation"

Enduring Impact

The batsman received top accolades

The remaining seven years of his cricket journey included other milestones

Post-cricket career, he received a knighthood for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|