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Brisbane hasn't been a city to give the Three Lions some much-needed Ashes optimism

In the wake of losing to Australia at the series start, the visiting team must stir themselves before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where England have not won since 1986

Men wearing three lions have often become lambs to the slaughter in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Success

Among a recent history of English disappointments, hopes and athletes exists a motivational tale delivered by a cricket hero

This marks 15 years since Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match during that famous series paving England's path for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

It was the beginning of the victorious Australian campaign; three centuries totaling 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals in a series on Australian soil

England won 3-1, with every win by an innings

The team hasn't secured success at this venue since that historic campaign

Cook's Memories

"One tends to forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," Cook remembers

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part in a series when England won 3-1 down under where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

The path to his Australian epic started a year and a half before following the 2009 Ashes in the UK

Despite English victory, Cook averaged less than 25 managing only one innings above 50

He wanted more

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality creates the sensation that personal responsibility matters," he explains

Technical Transformation

Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he was back at work hitting hundreds and hundreds of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances were encouraging

Cook made three hundred-run innings during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

After coming back to England for the 2010 summer, the left-hander struggled significantly

Across eight appearances versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance was 29

Scoreless overnight after the second day in the third match versus Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain this would be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

"I found myself in the hospitality area, trying to find the answer through drinking," he admits

Decisive Instance

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

Preparation continued through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games down under

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

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, both batsmen began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and proceeded with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

"My memory doesn't retain any instructions, our conversations," says Cook

The left-handers added 188 together

His unbeaten 235 represented the top score achieved by a Briton down under in eight decades

Complete Control

The English took advantage of an incredible start of the second Test at Adelaide

Following Anderson's additional wicket Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

Cook followed up his Brisbane heroics with 148 in a famous match for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the urn in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc that would come later

Then came arguably England's best performance in Ashes history on Australian soil

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the Australian team were dismissed for 98

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, it was that. Amazement prevailed at the end of the day," Cook remembers

The Final Victory

Driven by determination to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 lifted England to 644, their best score in a Test in Australia

The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come the game and series, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers

"When Tremlett got Michael Beer to secure victory, it was a moment of complete happiness"

Legacy and Recognition

The batsman received top accolades

The following seven seasons in his international career included other milestones

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

"{I couldn't have played any better|