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The Queensland capital isn't a city to give the Three Lions badly required hope for the Ashes

In the wake of losing to the hosts at the series start, the visiting team must stir themselves before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where England have not won since 1986

English cricketers have frequently been outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

The Inspirational Success

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, aspirations and players exists a motivational tale provided by an exceptional player

This marks the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba via a landmark unbeaten 235, rescuing the opening match during that famous series paving England's path to their only Ashes series win on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

It was the beginning of the victorious circumnavigation of Australia; three hundred-plus scores accumulating 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond remains the sole English player who has made more runs during a Test series down under

Victory came 3-1, with every win by an innings

England hasn't achieved success at this venue since those glory days

Cook's Memories

"People overlook the challenging periods, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," Cook remembers

"I look back with pride. I played a significant part in a tournament that saw England triumphed 3-1 in Australia and all three games came through innings wins"

Path to Success

Cook's road to down under success began 18 months earlier after the 2009 series on home soil

Though England triumphed, the opener scored under 25 per innings achieving merely one performance above 50

He wanted more

"Despite cricket's collective nature, individual contribution generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he explains

Game Improvement

Just 48 hours following the triumphant events, he was back facing countless bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch

The initial results were encouraging

Cook made three hundreds on overseas campaigns against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Career-Defining Moments

After coming back to England during the 2010 season, Cook struggled significantly

Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his highest score reached only 29

Without runs at the end of day two during the final Test against Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced this would be his last Test innings before being dropped

"I found myself at the bar, attempting to discover the resolution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

The Turning Point

Cook's 110 ensured his position on the plane to Australia

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

Come the first Test in Brisbane, they faced a Siddle hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to the third day's close, the opening pair began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 at stumps then continued with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

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

The opening pair contributed 188 together

Cook's 235 not out stood as the best performance by an Englishman on Australian soil since the 1930s

Complete Control

England capitalised on a remarkable opening session of the second Test in Adelaide

After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and never recovered

Cook followed up his Brisbane success with 148 in a Test remembered highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian bowling

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the series in Western Australia, however Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day in Ashes history down under

At the MCG, the enormous ground of sports down under, on the holiday, the hosts were dismissed for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief as the day ended," Cook remembers

Series Conclusion

Driven by determination to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the SCG

The 189-run innings 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 when

"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers

"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to claim triumph, that was a time of absolute joy"

Legacy and Recognition

He earned series honors

The following seven seasons of his Test career were illuminated by additional achievements

Post-cricket career, he received a knighthood for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|