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Brisbane hasn't been a location providing the Three Lions some much-needed Ashes optimism

Following the loss to the Australian side during the opening match, the tourists must stir themselves ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where England have not won for decades

Players representing England have often become outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Success

Among a recent history of English disappointments, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story delivered by a shining knight

This marks a decade and a half after Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining 235 not out, saving the first Test during that famous series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory down under during recent memory

Record-Breaking Performance

It was the beginning of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs

The legendary Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs during a Test series down under

The English triumphed 3-1, where each success through innings victories

England hasn't achieved success at this venue since that memorable series

Looking Back

"You forget the difficult moments, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil with every match were won by an innings"

Journey to Excellence

His journey to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier after the 2009 Ashes in the UK

Though England triumphed, the opening batsman had an average below 25 managing only one innings over fifty

He desired better

"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he states

Game Improvement

Two days after the celebrations, he was back practicing numerous bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances proved positive

Cook made three centuries on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

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

During eight batting opportunities versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score totaled just 29 runs

Scoreless overnight following the second day's play during the final Test facing Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain this would be his concluding international appearance before being dropped

"I found myself in the hospitality area, attempting to discover the resolution by drowning sorrows," he confesses

The Turning Point

The 110-run innings ensured his position in the squad down under

England continued their preparations with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests on Australian soil

When the first Test arrived at the famous ground, they encountered a Siddle hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Just before the third day's close, both batsmen began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded then continued with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

"I don't remember specific guidance, our conversations," says Cook

The opening pair contributed 188 in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score from an English player down under in eight decades

Series Dominance

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

After Anderson also dismissed the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

Cook followed up his Brisbane success through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, only for Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later

The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day during Ashes competition down under

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, and on Boxing Day, the hosts collapsed to 98 all out

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. There was disbelief at the end of the day," recalls Cook

Ultimate Success

Fuelled by the focus to secure the Ashes, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The debate didn't concern if England would win the match and the Ashes, but when

"The environment was electric," recalls Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to secure victory, it was a moment of complete happiness"

Enduring Impact

Cook was player of the series

The subsequent seven years of his cricket journey included additional achievements

After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|