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The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the Three Lions some much-needed Ashes optimism

Following the loss to the Australian side in the first Test, the visiting team must stir themselves before heading to the famous Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for over thirty years

English cricketers have habitually been easy prey at this challenging venue

Cook's Memorable Achievement

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

This marks 15 years since the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, preserving the initial Test during that famous series paving England's path toward their sole series victory in Australia in the past 38 years

Historic Achievement

It commenced of his successful Australian campaign; three centuries and 766 runs

Wally Hammond stands as the only Briton with higher run totals during a Test series in this country

Victory came 3-1, with all victories by an innings

England hasn't achieved success at this venue since that historic campaign

Looking Back

"You forget the tough times, the tension and worry accompanying that success," the cricketer reflects

"With pride I remember. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England won 3-1 on Australian soil where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

The Road to Greatness

The path to down under success began 18 months earlier following that year's Ashes on home soil

Despite English victory, the opening batsman averaged less than 25 managing only one innings over fifty

He sought improvement

"Cricket is a team game, personal performance does make you feel that you must contribute adequately," he states

Game Improvement

Two days after the victory celebrations, he returned facing countless of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances proved positive

Cook made three hundreds on overseas campaigns in South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

Upon his return to home soil for the 2010 summer, the left-hander had a "stinker"

During eight batting opportunities versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score reached only 29

On nought not out after the second day in the third match against Pakistan at the famous ground, the batsman felt certain he was playing his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

"I was sitting in the hospitality area, trying to find the resolution through drinking," he admits

The Turning Point

His century guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

England continued their preparations by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests on Australian soil

As the opening match began at the Gabba, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

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

They achieved 19 without loss at stumps and proceeded through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

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

The opening pair accumulated 188 runs together

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score achieved by a Briton down under for 82 years

Complete Control

The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session during the following Test at Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics with 148 during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian bowling

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to preview the destruction that would come later

The subsequent events included arguably England's best performance of Ashes cricket down under

In Melbourne, the enormous ground of Australian sport, during Boxing Day, the hosts were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, this was it. Amazement prevailed when play concluded," says Cook

The Final Victory

Fuelled by the focus to win the urn, Cook excelled once more in Sydney

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

The debate didn't concern whether England would triumph the game and series, but the timing

"The environment was electric," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of Michael Beer to win the match, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons of his cricket journey were illuminated by other milestones

Post-cricket career, he was honored for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|