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The Queensland capital isn't a location providing England crucial confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to Australia at the series start, the visiting team must stir themselves ahead of visiting the Gabba, a stadium where victory has eluded England for over thirty years

English cricketers have habitually been outmatched opponents at this challenging venue

A Shining Knight's Achievement

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story provided by a shining knight

Today commemorates a decade and a half after the legendary Cook conquered the Gabba via a landmark 235 not out, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph in Australia during recent memory

Unforgettable Series

It commenced of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three hundred-plus scores totaling 766 runs

Wally Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs throughout a campaign in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins

England hasn't achieved a Test here since that memorable series

Looking Back

"People overlook the challenging periods, the tension and worry accompanying that success," Cook recalls

"I look back with pride. I made an important impact during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 down under where each victory came through innings wins"

The Road to Greatness

His journey to his Australian epic commenced well before after the 2009 series on home soil

Despite English victory, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings over fifty

He sought improvement

"Cricket is a team game, individual contribution generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he notes

Game Improvement

Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back at work facing countless of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

The initial results proved positive

Cook made three hundreds on overseas campaigns against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Pivotal Instances

Upon his return to British conditions during the 2010 season, Cook struggled significantly

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings totaled just 29 runs

Scoreless overnight at the end of the second day's play of the third Test against Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain he was playing his concluding international appearance prior to selection

"I was sitting in the bar, trying to find the resolution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

The Turning Point

His century secured his place for the Australian tour

The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one in practice matches in Australia

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to the third day's close, the opening pair opened England's second innings trailing by 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss by day's end and proceeded with a performance etched in Ashes folklore

"I cannot recall any instructions, our discussions," says Cook

The left-handers added 188 together

His unbeaten 235 was the highest score achieved by a Briton down under for 82 years

Complete Control

The English took advantage of an astonishing first morning in the second match at Adelaide

Following Anderson's additional wicket the opposition player, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

He continued his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian bowling

Ultimate Victory

England could have retained the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters

Then came perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket down under

In Melbourne, the 100,000-seater cathedral of sports down under, on the holiday, the home side collapsed to 98 all out

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, it was that. Amazement prevailed at the end of the day," says Cook

The Final Victory

Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the SCG

His score of 189 contributed to England's 644, their best score during Australian Tests

The question was not whether England would triumph the game and series, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers

"After Tremlett dismissed the last player to claim triumph, that was a time of complete happiness"

Historical Significance

The batsman received top accolades

The remaining seven years in his international career featured other milestones

Following his international retirement, he was honored for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|