🔗 Share this article

Brisbane hasn't been a location providing the Three Lions some much-needed confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the Australian side during the opening match, England need to regroup ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where victory has eluded England since 1986

Men wearing three lions have habitually been easy prey at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Achievement

Within recent memory of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story achieved by a cricket hero

It is exactly 15 years since Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining unbeaten 235, saving the first Test from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph down under in the past 38 years

Historic Achievement

It commenced of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three centuries and 766 runs

The legendary Hammond remains the sole English player with higher run totals during a Test series on Australian soil

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

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

Personal Reflections

"You forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook recalls

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part in a tournament that saw England won 3-1 on Australian soil with every match was achieved comprehensively"

Path to Success

The path toward Australian glory commenced well before following that year's Ashes in the UK

England won, the opener had an average below 25 managing only one innings over fifty

He sought improvement

"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he notes

Technical Transformation

Shortly after the victory celebrations, he returned hitting hundreds and hundreds of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances were encouraging

Cook made three hundred-run innings on overseas campaigns against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Pivotal Instances

When Cook returned to home soil for that year's summer, the left-hander performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his highest score reached only 29

On nought not out following day two of the third Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook believed he was playing his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

"I found myself at the bar, seeking the answer by drowning sorrows," he admits

Critical Moment

The 110-run innings secured his place on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests on Australian soil

Come the first Test at the famous ground, they were hit by Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Just before day three's conclusion, the opening pair started the English reply needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 at stumps then continued with a performance remembered in Ashes history

"My memory doesn't retain any instructions, our conversations," recalls Cook

The left-handers added 188 for the first wicket

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score by an Englishman on Australian soil for 82 years

Complete Control

England exploited an incredible start of the second Test at Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics with 148 in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble he would cause four years later

What followed was possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket in Australia

In Melbourne, the massive stadium of Australian cricket, during Boxing Day, the hosts were blown away for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," Cook remembers

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly in Sydney

The 189-run innings helped England reach 644, their highest total during Australian Tests

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

"The feeling was unbelievable," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to secure victory, it was a moment of complete happiness"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The remaining seven years of his Test career included additional achievements

After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|