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Brisbane hasn't been a city to give England some much-needed Ashes optimism

After defeat by Australia in the first Test, England have to bounce back for a trip to the Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed for decades

English cricketers have habitually been easy prey at the Gabbatoir

Cook's Memorable Triumph

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

It is exactly a decade and a half after the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane via a landmark 235 not out, preserving the initial Test during that famous series paving England's path to their only Ashes series win down under over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

It was the beginning of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three hundred-plus scores totaling 766 runs

The legendary Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs throughout a campaign in this country

Victory came 3-1, with all victories via comprehensive wins

They have not won a Test victory there since those glory days

Personal Reflections

"You forget the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where England won 3-1 in Australia where each victory came through innings wins"

Path to Success

His journey toward Australian glory started a year and a half before following the 2009 series in England

Though England triumphed, the opening batsman had an average below 25 with just one score over fifty

He desired better

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

Game Improvement

Just 48 hours following the celebrations, he was back at work hitting hundreds and hundreds deliveries in practice with Graham Gooch

The initial results proved positive

The batsman achieved three hundred-run innings during winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Pivotal Instances

After coming back to England during the 2010 season, the batsman performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance reached only 29

Scoreless overnight following day two in the third match facing Pakistan in London, Cook believed he was playing his final Test performance ahead of potential omission

"There I was at the bar, trying to find the answer in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

The Turning Point

His century secured his place on the plane to Australia

England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests down under

When the first Test arrived at the famous ground, they faced three wickets from Siddle

Record-Breaking Stand

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

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and proceeded with an exhibition etched in Ashes folklore

"My memory doesn't retain any instructions, anything of what we spoke about," says Cook

The opening pair accumulated 188 runs in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal stood as the best performance achieved by a Briton in Australia since the 1930s

Series Dominance

The English took advantage of an incredible start during the following Test in Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off the opposition player, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

Cook followed up his Queensland achievement by scoring 148 in a famous match highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, however Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

What followed was possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket down under

At the MCG, the massive stadium of sports down under, and on Boxing Day, the home side were blown away for 98

"If perfection existed for Boxing Day, it was that. Amazement prevailed as the day ended," recalls Cook

The Final Victory

Fuelled by the focus to secure the Ashes, Cook was at it again in Sydney

The 189-run innings helped England reach 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The question was not if victory would come both match and urn, but when

"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook

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

Historical Significance

He earned series honors

The remaining seven years of his Test career featured other milestones

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

"{I couldn't have played any better|