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The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers the Three Lions badly required Ashes optimism

After defeat by the hosts at the series start, the tourists must stir themselves for a trip to Brisbane's Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for decades

Men wearing three lions have frequently been lambs to the slaughter in Brisbane

A Shining Knight's Achievement

Within recent memory of English disappointments, hopes and athletes exists a motivational tale provided by an exceptional player

This marks a decade and a half after the legendary Cook mastered the Gabba with a career-defining 235 not out, preserving the initial Test of 2010-11 establishing England's trajectory to their only Ashes series win on Australian soil in the past 38 years

Unforgettable Series

It commenced of the victorious Australian campaign; three hundreds and 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals in a series in this country

The English triumphed 3-1, where each success through innings victories

The team hasn't secured success at this venue since that memorable series

Personal Reflections

"You forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern accompanying that success," Cook remembers

"I look back with pride. I made an important impact in a tournament that saw England triumphed 3-1 in Australia and all three games were won by an innings"

Path to Success

The path to down under success started a year and a half before after the 2009 series in England

Though England triumphed, Cook had an average below 25 managing only one innings above 50

He desired better

"Cricket is a team game, the individuality creates the sensation that personal responsibility matters," he explains

Game Improvement

Two days after the victory celebrations, he was back facing countless bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch

Early outcomes showed promise

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

Crucial Turning Points

After coming back to British conditions for the 2010 summer, the batsman struggled significantly

In eight innings facing these opponents, his top innings totaled just 29 runs

Without runs at the end of day two in the third match against Pakistan at The Oval, Cook believed this would be his last Test innings prior to selection

"I found myself at the bar, trying to find the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

Decisive Instance

The 110-run innings guaranteed his seat for the Australian tour

Preparation continued through successful warm-ups during preparatory contests on Australian soil

When the first Test arrived at the Gabba, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

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

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded and proceeded through a demonstration etched in Ashes folklore

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

The opening pair added 188 together

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

Series Dominance

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

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement by scoring 148 during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

Ultimate Victory

The English might have secured the series in Western Australia, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc he would cause four years later

Then came possibly England's finest day during Ashes competition down under

In Melbourne, the enormous ground of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the home side collapsed to 98 all out

"For ideal Boxing Days, this was it. Amazement prevailed at the end of the day," Cook remembers

Series Conclusion

Driven by determination to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly in Sydney

His 189 lifted England to 644, their highest total during Australian Tests

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

"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed Michael Beer to win the match, it represented an instant of absolute joy"

Legacy and Recognition

The batsman received top accolades

The subsequent seven years of his cricket journey featured other milestones

Following his international retirement, he received a knighthood for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|