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Brisbane hasn't been a city to give England some much-needed hope for the Ashes

After defeat by Australia during the opening match, the tourists need to regroup for a trip to the famous Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

Men wearing three lions have frequently been outmatched opponents in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Triumph

Among a recent history of English disappointments, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale delivered by a shining knight

It is exactly the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match during that famous series establishing England's trajectory to their only Ashes series win on Australian soil during recent memory

Record-Breaking Performance

It was the beginning of his successful tour of Australia; three centuries and 766 runs

The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton who has made more runs in a series in this country

England won 3-1, where each success by an innings

They have not won a Test victory there since that historic campaign

Cook's Memories

"One tends to forget the challenging periods, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact during a campaign where England won 3-1 down under where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

Journey to Excellence

His journey to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier at the end of that year's Ashes in the UK

England won, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance exceeding half-century

He desired better

"While cricket involves teamwork, the individuality generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he states

Game Improvement

Shortly after the triumphant events, he was back at work hitting hundreds and hundreds of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

Early outcomes were encouraging

He scored three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Career-Defining Moments

After coming back to British conditions for that year's summer, the batsman had a "stinker"

In eight innings versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings totaled just 29 runs

On nought not out at the end of the second day during the final Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced he was playing his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

"I found myself in the bar, seeking the resolution by drowning sorrows," he reveals

The Turning Point

Cook's 110 secured his place in the squad down under

England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests on Australian soil

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

Record-Breaking Stand

An hour before day three's conclusion, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss at stumps then continued through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

"I don't remember the messages, our conversations," recalls Cook

The left-handers contributed 188 for the first wicket

His unbeaten 235 stood as the best performance from an English player in Australia in eight decades

Series Dominance

England capitalised on an astonishing first morning during the following Test in Adelaide

After Anderson also dismissed the opposition player, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

He continued his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to preview the destruction he would cause four years later

Then came arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition down under

In Melbourne, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the hosts were blown away for 98

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, it was that. There was disbelief when play concluded," Cook remembers

Series Conclusion

Driven by determination to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again at the SCG

His 189 contributed to England's 644, their highest total on Australian soil

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

"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to secure victory, that was a time of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons in his international career included additional achievements

Following his international retirement, he was honored for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|