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The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the Three Lions crucial hope for the Ashes

After defeat by Australia in the first Test, the tourists need to regroup before heading to the Gabba, a stadium where the English haven't triumphed for decades

Players representing England have frequently been easy prey at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Achievement

Within recent memory of broken English hopes, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration achieved by a cricket hero

This marks the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba via a landmark 235 without loss, saving the first Test during that famous series establishing England's trajectory for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia over nearly four decades

Record-Breaking Performance

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

Cricket great Hammond remains the sole English player who has made more runs throughout a campaign down under

England won 3-1, with every win via comprehensive wins

England hasn't achieved success at this venue since those glory days

Looking Back

"People overlook the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil where each victory were won by an innings"

The Road to Greatness

His journey to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier after that year's Ashes in England

Despite English victory, Cook scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings exceeding half-century

He desired better

"Cricket is a team game, the individuality generates the feeling like you want to pull your weight," he notes

Skill Development

Shortly after the triumphant events, he was back facing countless bowls during training under Graham Gooch's guidance

The initial results proved positive

He scored three centuries during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to British conditions for the 2010 summer, Cook had a "stinker"

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

Scoreless overnight at the end of day two of the third Test versus Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced it might be his last Test innings prior to selection

"I found myself in the bar, trying to find the answer in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals

The Turning Point

His century guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour

England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests down under

When the first Test arrived at the Gabba, they faced a Siddle hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

Just before the end of the third day, the opening pair started the English reply with a deficit of 221 runs

They reached 19-0 by day's end then continued with a performance remembered in Ashes history

"I cannot recall specific guidance, our conversations," Cook remembers

Both left-handed batsmen added 188 together

His unbeaten 235 represented the top score from an English player down under for 82 years

Complete Control

England exploited an incredible start during the following Test in Adelaide

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

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

The English might have secured the urn in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

Then came possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket in Australia

In Melbourne, the massive stadium of sports down under, on the holiday, the home side were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, this was it. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," says Cook

Series Conclusion

Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His 189 lifted England to 644, their highest total during Australian Tests

The debate didn't concern if victory would come the game and series, rather when

"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed the last player to claim triumph, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Historical Significance

He earned series honors

The subsequent seven years of his cricket journey featured other milestones

After retiring internationally, he was honored for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|