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Brisbane is not a city to give the Three Lions crucial Ashes optimism

In the wake of losing to the Australian side in the first Test, England have to bounce back ahead of visiting Brisbane's Gabba, a stadium where England have not won since 1986

Players representing England have frequently been lambs to the slaughter in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Triumph

Among a recent history of broken English hopes, dreams and bodies lies an inspirational story delivered by a shining knight

This marks a decade and a half after Sir Alastair Cook conquered the Gabba with a career-defining unbeaten 235, saving the first Test during that famous series paving England's path toward their sole series victory on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Historic Achievement

This marked the start of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; 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

The English triumphed 3-1, with all victories through innings victories

They have not won a Test here since those glory days

Personal Reflections

"You forget the challenging periods, the tension and worry involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. I played a significant part in a series when England won 3-1 on Australian soil where each victory came through innings wins"

Path to Success

Cook's road to his Australian epic started a year and a half before at the end of the 2009 series in England

England won, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings above 50

He desired better

"Despite cricket's collective nature, personal performance generates the feeling that you must contribute adequately," he states

Skill Development

Two days after the triumphant events, he was back practicing numerous deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance

Beginning performances showed promise

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

Pivotal Instances

Upon his return to home soil during the 2010 season, Cook had a "stinker"

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

Scoreless overnight after the second day of the third Test facing Pakistan in London, the batsman felt certain it might be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

"I was sitting in the bar, seeking the answer by drowning sorrows," he reveals

Decisive Instance

His century guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

Preparation continued through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests in Australia

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

Record-Breaking Stand

Just before the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss started the English reply trailing by 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss by day's end and proceeded through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore

"My memory doesn't retain specific guidance, our conversations," Cook remembers

The left-handers accumulated 188 runs in their partnership

Cook's 235 not out stood as the best performance from an English player on Australian soil since the 1930s

Total Command

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

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics by scoring 148 during a memorable Test highlighting Pietersen's dominance over the Australian bowling

Ultimate Victory

Victory was possible the urn in Perth, however Johnson to indicate the trouble that would come later

The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day during Ashes competition down under

At the MCG, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian sport, on the holiday, the home side were blown away for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Incredulity reigned when play concluded," says Cook

The Final Victory

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

The 189-run innings lifted England to 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The uncertainty wasn't if victory would come the match and the Ashes, but the timing

"The environment was electric," says Cook

"When Tremlett got the final batsman to win the match, that was a time of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

He earned series honors

The remaining seven years of his Test career included additional achievements

Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|