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Brisbane hasn't been a place that offers the Three Lions crucial confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the Australian side in the first Test, the tourists have to bounce back before heading to the famous Gabba, a stadium where England have not won for decades

Men wearing three lions have often become lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

A Shining Knight's Success

Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story provided by a cricket hero

Today commemorates 15 years since Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba via a landmark 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match during that famous series establishing England's trajectory toward their sole series victory on Australian soil in the past 38 years

Historic Achievement

This marked the start of his successful Australian campaign; three centuries totaling 766 runs

The legendary Hammond remains the sole English player with higher run totals throughout a campaign in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, with every win by an innings

They have not won success at this venue since those glory days

Looking Back

"People overlook the difficult moments, the tension and worry that went into that," Cook recalls

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part during a campaign where England won 3-1 on Australian soil and all three games came through innings wins"

Journey to Excellence

The path to down under success started a year and a half before following the 2009 series in the UK

Despite English victory, the opening batsman had an average below 25 managing only one innings exceeding half-century

He desired better

"Cricket is a team game, personal performance creates the sensation that you must contribute adequately," he states

Game Improvement

Two days after the victory celebrations, he returned practicing numerous of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

Early outcomes proved positive

Cook made three hundreds on the 2009-10 winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

After coming back to England for that year's summer, the left-hander had a "stinker"

Across eight appearances against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance totaled just 29 runs

Without runs following the second day in the third match against Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced it might be his last Test innings prior to selection

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

The Turning Point

The 110-run innings secured his place for the Australian tour

England continued their preparations by winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games down under

When the first Test arrived at the Gabba, they were hit by Peter Siddle's 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 at stumps and followed up through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

"My memory doesn't retain the messages, our discussions," Cook remembers

The left-handers added 188 in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score achieved by a Briton down under for 82 years

Total Command

The English took advantage of an astonishing first morning during the following Test in Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

He continued his Brisbane success through a 148-run innings in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

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

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

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, and on Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," says Cook

Series Conclusion

Fuelled by the focus to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their record innings during Australian Tests

The uncertainty wasn't whether England would triumph the match and the Ashes, rather when

"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to win the match, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

The batsman received top accolades

The remaining seven years in his international career included further accomplishments

Post-cricket career, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|