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

After defeat by the Australian side in the first Test, the tourists must stir themselves ahead of visiting the Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for decades

Men wearing three lions have frequently been outmatched opponents in Brisbane

The Inspirational Success

Among a recent history of English disappointments, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story provided by an exceptional player

Today commemorates a decade and a half after the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining unbeaten 235, preserving the initial Test of 2010-11 establishing England's trajectory toward their sole series victory in Australia in the past 38 years

Record-Breaking Performance

It was the beginning of his successful Australian campaign; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs

The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals throughout a campaign down under

England won 3-1, with all victories via comprehensive wins

The team hasn't secured a Test victory there since those glory days

Personal Reflections

"People overlook the tough times, the tension and worry that went into that," Cook recalls

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory down under where each victory came through innings wins"

The Road to Greatness

Cook's road to down under success commenced well before following the 2009 series in the UK

England won, the opening batsman averaged less than 25 managing only one innings above 50

He wanted more

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

Skill Development

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

The initial results proved positive

Cook made three hundreds on overseas campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

Upon his return to home soil during the 2010 season, the left-hander struggled significantly

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance was 29

Without runs after the second day's play in the third match versus Pakistan at The Oval, Cook believed it might be his final Test performance prior to selection

"I found myself at the bar, attempting to discover the resolution through drinking," he confesses

Decisive Instance

Cook's 110 ensured his position on the plane to Australia

England continued their preparations by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests in Australia

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

Memorable Collaboration

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

The score stood at 19-0 at stumps and followed up with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

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

The opening pair contributed 188 in their partnership

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score from an English player in Australia for 82 years

Series Dominance

England exploited a remarkable opening session during the following Test in Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and couldn't recover

He continued his Brisbane heroics with 148 in a famous match for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the series in Western Australia, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction from future encounters

The subsequent events included arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition down under

In Melbourne, the massive stadium of sports down under, during Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, this was it. There was disbelief at the end of the day," recalls Cook

The Final Victory

Fuelled by the focus to win the urn, Cook excelled once more in Sydney

His 189 contributed to England's 644, their best score on Australian soil

The question was not if England would win the match and the Ashes, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to win the match, that was a time of absolute joy"

Enduring Impact

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons in his international career included further accomplishments

Following his international retirement, Cook was knighted for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|