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The Queensland capital isn't a location providing England crucial Ashes optimism

In the wake of losing to Australia at the series start, the tourists have to bounce back for a trip to the famous Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

Men wearing three lions have habitually been easy prey at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Success

Throughout modern times of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration achieved by a cricket hero

This marks a decade and a half after Sir Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba through a defining 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series establishing England's trajectory for their unique Ashes triumph on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

This marked the start of his successful Australian campaign; three hundreds totaling 766 runs

The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs in a series in this country

Victory came 3-1, where each success by an innings

England hasn't achieved a Test here since those glory days

Looking Back

"You forget the tough times, the nervousness and anxiety that went into that," Cook remembers

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part in a tournament that saw the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil with every match was achieved comprehensively"

Journey to Excellence

His journey toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier after the 2009 Ashes in the UK

England won, the opener scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings exceeding half-century

He desired better

"Cricket is a team game, personal performance does make you feel that personal responsibility matters," he notes

Skill Development

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

Beginning performances showed promise

The batsman achieved three hundred-run innings during winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Pivotal Instances

When Cook returned to home soil for that year's summer, the left-hander had a "stinker"

In eight innings facing these opponents, 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 famous ground, Cook was convinced this would be his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"I found myself in the bar, seeking the resolution by drowning sorrows," he admits

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings secured his place in the squad down under

England continued their preparations through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests in Australia

As the opening match began at the famous ground, they were hit by Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Historic Partnership

An hour before the third day's close, both batsmen started the English reply trailing by 221 runs

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

"I don't remember any instructions, our conversations," Cook remembers

The opening pair contributed 188 for the first wicket

The 235 without dismissal stood as the best performance achieved by a Briton in Australia in eight decades

Series Dominance

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

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

Cook followed up his Queensland achievement through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack

Ultimate Victory

Victory was possible the series in Western Australia, however Johnson to preview the destruction that would come later

Then came possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket on Australian soil

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

"For ideal Boxing Days, that defined it. There was disbelief when play concluded," Cook remembers

Ultimate Success

Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the SCG

His 189 helped England reach 644, their highest total in a Test in Australia

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 secure victory, that was a time of complete happiness"

Legacy and Recognition

The batsman received top accolades

The following seven seasons of his Test career were illuminated by further accomplishments

After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|