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The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the Three Lions crucial Ashes optimism

Following the loss to Australia during the opening match, England must stir themselves for a trip to the famous Gabba, a ground where England have not won for decades

English cricketers have frequently been easy prey at this challenging venue

A Shining Knight's Achievement

Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration delivered by an exceptional player

This marks a decade and a half after the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win in Australia during recent memory

Historic Achievement

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

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs in a series on Australian soil

The English triumphed 3-1, with all victories through innings victories

The team hasn't secured a Test here since that historic campaign

Looking Back

"One tends to forget the tough times, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," Cook recalls

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England won 3-1 down under where each victory were won by an innings"

Path to Success

The path toward Australian glory commenced well before following the 2009 series in England

England won, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings with just one score over fifty

He wanted more

"Despite cricket's collective nature, the individuality generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he states

Game Improvement

Shortly after the victory celebrations, he returned facing countless of balls in the nets under Graham Gooch's guidance

Early outcomes proved positive

The batsman achieved three hundreds on overseas campaigns to South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to British conditions during the 2010 season, the batsman performed poorly

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

Scoreless overnight following the second day's play in the third match against Pakistan at The Oval, Cook believed it might be his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"I was sitting in the bar, attempting to discover the resolution through drinking," he admits

The Turning Point

The 110-run innings guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups in practice matches down under

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they encountered a Siddle hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to the third day's close, Cook and Strauss started the English reply trailing by 221 runs

They reached 19-0 when play concluded then continued with a performance engraved in cricket memory

"I cannot recall the messages, our discussions," says Cook

Both left-handed batsmen accumulated 188 runs together

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score achieved by a Briton on Australian soil since the 1930s

Total Command

England capitalised on an astonishing first morning in the second match at Adelaide

After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and struggled throughout

He continued his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian bowling

Series Conclusion

England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to indicate the trouble he would cause four years later

What followed was possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket on Australian soil

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the home side were dismissed for 98

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, that defined it. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," says Cook

Ultimate Success

Motivated by purpose to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His score of 189 lifted England to 644, their best score during Australian Tests

The question was not if victory would come the game and series, but the timing

"The feeling was unbelievable," says Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to secure victory, it represented an instant of complete happiness"

Historical Significance

The batsman received top accolades

The subsequent seven years of his Test career were illuminated by further accomplishments

Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|