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Brisbane hasn't been a place that offers the Three Lions some much-needed hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to Australia in the first Test, England must stir themselves ahead of visiting the Gabba, a stadium where victory has eluded England for over thirty years

Players representing England have often become lambs to the slaughter at the Gabbatoir

The Inspirational Achievement

Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies exists a motivational tale delivered by a cricket hero

It is exactly the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark unbeaten 235, saving the first Test during that famous series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory in Australia during recent memory

Historic Achievement

This marked the start of his successful circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries accumulating 766 runs

Wally Hammond stands as the only Briton who has made more runs in a series down under

Victory came 3-1, with every win through innings victories

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

Looking Back

"People overlook the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern that went into that," Cook remembers

"With pride I remember. I made an important impact in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil where each victory came through innings wins"

The Road to Greatness

The path to down under success started a year and a half before after that year's Ashes on home soil

England won, the opening batsman had an average below 25 with just one score above 50

He sought improvement

"While cricket involves teamwork, personal performance generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he explains

Skill Development

Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back practicing numerous bowls during training under Graham Gooch's guidance

Beginning performances proved positive

Cook made three centuries during winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Career-Defining Moments

When Cook returned to England for that year's summer, Cook performed poorly

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

Scoreless overnight after the second day's play in the third match facing Pakistan in London, Cook was convinced it might be his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"I was sitting in the bar, seeking the resolution by drowning sorrows," he confesses

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour

Preparation continued with two victories and one draw during preparatory contests in Australia

When the first Test arrived in Brisbane, they encountered three wickets from Siddle

Record-Breaking Stand

Shortly prior to the end of the third day, both batsmen began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and followed up with a performance etched in Ashes folklore

"I don't remember any instructions, our conversations," says Cook

Both left-handed batsmen accumulated 188 runs together

His unbeaten 235 was the highest score by an Englishman in Australia for 82 years

Complete Control

England capitalised on an astonishing first morning of the second Test in Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, 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 bowling

The Final Triumph

Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters

Then came 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, during Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, this was it. Amazement prevailed as the day ended," recalls Cook

The Final Victory

Fuelled by the focus to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again in Sydney

The 189-run innings contributed to England's 644, their record innings during Australian Tests

The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come the match and the Ashes, but the timing

"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook

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

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The remaining seven years of his cricket journey included additional achievements

Post-cricket career, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|