🔗 Share this article

Brisbane is not a place that offers the Three Lions crucial hope for the Ashes

Following the loss to Australia during the opening match, England must stir themselves ahead of visiting the Gabba, a ground where England have not won since 1986

Players representing England have habitually been outmatched opponents at the Gabbatoir

A Shining Knight's Achievement

Among a recent history of English disappointments, dreams and bodies is a source of inspiration provided by an exceptional player

This marks the 15th anniversary of Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba through a defining 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course to their only Ashes series win in Australia in the past 38 years

Unforgettable Series

It was the beginning of his successful circumnavigation of Australia; three hundred-plus scores totaling 766 runs

Wally Hammond is the only Englishman with higher run totals throughout a campaign down under

England won 3-1, with every win via comprehensive wins

England hasn't achieved a Test victory there since those glory days

Personal Reflections

"One tends to forget the tough times, the nervousness and anxiety involved in that achievement," Cook recalls

"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact during a campaign where England triumphed 3-1 in Australia where each victory came through innings wins"

Journey to Excellence

His journey to his Australian epic began 18 months earlier after the 2009 Ashes in the UK

Though England triumphed, the opener averaged less than 25 with just one score exceeding half-century

He desired better

"While cricket involves teamwork, personal performance creates the sensation that you must contribute adequately," he states

Skill Development

Two days after the victory celebrations, he returned practicing numerous of balls in the nets alongside Graham Gooch

The initial results proved positive

He scored three hundred-run innings during winter tours to South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to England for the 2010 summer, Cook performed poorly

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings reached only 29

Without runs after day two during the final Test against Pakistan at the famous ground, the batsman felt certain he was playing his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

"There I was in the bar, seeking the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

Critical Moment

His century secured his place in the squad down under

The team maintained preparations through successful warm-ups in practice matches down under

As the opening match began at the famous ground, they encountered a Siddle hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, Cook and Strauss started the English reply trailing by 221 runs

They achieved 19 without loss at stumps and followed up through a demonstration remembered in Ashes history

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

The left-handers accumulated 188 runs together

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score by an Englishman down under since the 1930s

Total Command

England exploited a remarkable opening session of the second Test in South Australia

Following Anderson's additional wicket the opposition player, the hosts stood at 2-3 and never recovered

The batsman proceeded his Queensland achievement with 148 in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers

Ultimate Victory

Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble he would cause four years later

The subsequent events included possibly England's finest day of Ashes cricket down under

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the enormous ground of sports down under, during Boxing Day, the Australian team were dismissed for 98

"For ideal Boxing Days, it was that. Incredulity reigned as the day ended," recalls Cook

Ultimate Success

Motivated by purpose to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the Sydney Cricket Ground

His 189 lifted England to 644, their best score during Australian Tests

The uncertainty wasn't if England would win the game and series, but when

"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook

"When Tremlett got the final batsman to secure victory, that was a time of complete happiness"

Legacy and Recognition

He earned series honors

The remaining seven years in his international career featured further accomplishments

Following his international retirement, he was honored for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|