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The Queensland capital isn't a city to give England some much-needed confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to Australia during the opening match, the tourists must stir themselves for a trip to the famous Gabba, a stadium where victory has eluded England for decades

Men wearing three lions have habitually been outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Success

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale provided by a cricket hero

Today commemorates a decade and a half after the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba through a defining 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match of 2010-11 and setting England on course toward their sole series victory on Australian soil during recent memory

Historic Achievement

This marked the start of Cook's triumphant tour of Australia; three hundreds totaling 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs throughout a campaign on Australian soil

Victory came 3-1, where each success by an innings

England hasn't achieved a Test victory there since those glory days

Personal Reflections

"You forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects

"I look back with pride. I played a significant part during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 down under with every match was achieved comprehensively"

Journey to Excellence

The path to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier after that year's Ashes on home soil

Despite English victory, the opener scored under 25 per innings with just one score exceeding half-century

He desired better

"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution creates the sensation that you must contribute adequately," he states

Technical Transformation

Just 48 hours following the victory celebrations, he was back at work facing countless deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances proved positive

The batsman achieved three centuries on overseas campaigns against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Career-Defining Moments

After coming back to home soil for the 2010 summer, the left-hander performed poorly

In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score was 29

Scoreless overnight at the end of the second day in the third match against Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced he was playing his concluding international appearance before being dropped

"I was sitting at the bar, attempting to discover the solution by drowning sorrows," he confesses

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings ensured his position on the plane to Australia

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

When the first Test arrived at the famous ground, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

Just before day three's conclusion, the opening pair started the English reply with a deficit of 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss when play concluded and followed up with a performance etched in Ashes folklore

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

The left-handers contributed 188 in their partnership

His unbeaten 235 represented the top score from an English player on Australian soil for 82 years

Series Dominance

The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session of the second Test in South Australia

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

Cook followed up his Brisbane success by scoring 148 in a Test remembered highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc he would cause four years later

The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket down under

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the hosts were blown away for 98

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

The Final Victory

Fuelled by the focus to win the urn, Cook excelled once more at the SCG

His 189 helped England reach 644, their record innings in a Test in Australia

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

"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers

"When Tremlett got the last player to secure victory, it represented an instant of complete happiness"

Enduring Impact

The batsman received top accolades

The subsequent seven years in his international career were illuminated by further accomplishments

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

"{I couldn't have played any better|