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The Queensland capital isn't a location providing England badly required hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, England have to bounce back ahead of visiting the famous Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

English cricketers have habitually been easy prey at this challenging venue

A Shining Knight's Success

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale provided by an exceptional player

This marks 15 years since the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match during that famous series paving England's path to their only Ashes series win down under over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

It commenced of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds and 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals in a series in this country

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

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

Looking Back

"People overlook the tough times, the nervousness and anxiety that went into that," Cook remembers

"With pride I remember. I made an important impact during a campaign where England won 3-1 down under where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

The path toward Australian glory commenced well before following the 2009 series in England

Despite English victory, Cook averaged less than 25 with just one score above 50

He desired better

"While cricket involves teamwork, personal performance generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he notes

Game Improvement

Two days after the triumphant events, he was back hitting hundreds and hundreds of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch

The initial results were encouraging

He scored three centuries on the 2009-10 winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Career-Defining Moments

When Cook returned to British conditions during the 2010 season, Cook performed poorly

Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his highest score was 29

Scoreless overnight following the second day's play during the final Test against Pakistan in London, Cook believed this would be his last Test innings prior to selection

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

The Turning Point

His century guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour

Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests in Australia

Come the first Test at the famous ground, they were hit by three wickets from Siddle

Memorable Collaboration

An hour before the third day's close, the opening pair began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and followed up with a performance engraved in cricket memory

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

Both left-handed batsmen accumulated 188 runs together

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score achieved by a Briton down under since the 1930s

Complete Control

England capitalised on an incredible start of the second Test in Adelaide

After Anderson also dismissed the Australian batsman, the hosts stood at 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a famous match for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian bowling

Series Conclusion

The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to preview the destruction that would come later

Then came arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition in Australia

At the MCG, the enormous ground of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the hosts were dismissed for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief when play concluded," says Cook

The Final Victory

Motivated by purpose to secure the Ashes, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His 189 helped England reach 644, their best score in a Test in Australia

The question was not whether England would triumph the match and the Ashes, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed the last player to win the match, that was a time of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

He earned series honors

The following seven seasons in his international career included other milestones

Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|