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The Queensland capital isn't a city to give the Three Lions some much-needed confidence in the series

After defeat by the hosts at the series start, England must stir themselves for a trip to the famous Gabba, a ground where victory has eluded England for decades

Men wearing three lions have frequently been easy prey at the Gabbatoir

The Inspirational Achievement

Within recent memory of English disappointments, hopes and athletes lies an inspirational story provided by a shining knight

This marks a decade and a half after the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match during that famous series establishing England's trajectory toward their sole series victory on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

It was the beginning of Cook's triumphant tour of Australia; three hundred-plus scores and 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs throughout a campaign in this country

Victory came 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins

England hasn't achieved a Test here since that memorable series

Looking Back

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

"With pride I remember. I made an important impact in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory down under where each victory were won by an innings"

Journey to Excellence

His journey toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier following the 2009 Ashes in England

England won, Cook had an average below 25 with just one score exceeding half-century

He sought improvement

"Despite cricket's collective nature, personal performance does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he states

Game Improvement

Shortly after the celebrations, he returned facing countless bowls during training under Graham Gooch's guidance

Beginning performances were encouraging

Cook made three hundreds during winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Pivotal Instances

When Cook returned to British conditions during the 2010 season, Cook performed poorly

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

Without runs at the end of the second day's play in the third match versus Pakistan at The Oval, Cook was convinced this would be his concluding international appearance before being dropped

"There I was in the bar, trying to find the solution through drinking," he admits

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings ensured his position in the squad down under

The team maintained preparations through successful warm-ups of their warm-up games in Australia

As the opening match began in Brisbane, they encountered a Siddle hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

Shortly prior to the third day's close, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort needing to overcome 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end and followed up with a performance engraved in cricket memory

"I cannot recall specific guidance, our conversations," Cook remembers

The opening pair added 188 in their partnership

His unbeaten 235 stood as the best performance by an Englishman on Australian soil for 82 years

Complete Control

The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session in the second match at Adelaide

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

Cook followed up his Queensland achievement by scoring 148 in a Test remembered featuring Pietersen's destruction of the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

The English might have secured the urn in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc from future encounters

What followed was perhaps England's single greatest day in Ashes history in Australia

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the home side were dismissed for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. Amazement prevailed at the end of the day," recalls Cook

The Final Victory

Fuelled by the focus to win the urn, the batsman performed brilliantly at the SCG

His score of 189 lifted England to 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The uncertainty wasn't if England would win both match and urn, but the timing

"The environment was electric," Cook remembers

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to secure victory, it represented an instant of complete happiness"

Historical Significance

The batsman received top accolades

The remaining seven years of his cricket journey were illuminated by additional achievements

After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|