🔗 Share this article

The Queensland capital isn't a place that offers England some much-needed hope for the Ashes

After defeat by Australia in the first Test, the tourists need to regroup ahead of visiting the Gabba, a venue where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

English cricketers have habitually been easy prey at the Gabbatoir

The Inspirational Triumph

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

It is exactly the 15th anniversary of Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining unbeaten 235, preserving the initial Test from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course for their unique Ashes triumph down under over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

It commenced of Cook's triumphant circumnavigation of Australia; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs

The legendary Hammond stands as the only Briton to score more runs during a Test series down under

England won 3-1, with all victories by an innings

England hasn't achieved success at this venue since that historic campaign

Personal Reflections

"One tends to forget the challenging periods, the apprehension and concern involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial during a campaign where the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

The Road to Greatness

His journey to his Australian epic started a year and a half before following the 2009 Ashes in England

Though England triumphed, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings with just one score above 50

He sought improvement

"Despite cricket's collective nature, personal performance creates the sensation like you want to pull your weight," he notes

Game Improvement

Shortly after the celebrations, he returned facing countless bowls during training alongside Graham Gooch

Beginning performances showed promise

The batsman achieved three centuries during winter tours against South African and Bangladeshi teams

Crucial Turning Points

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

In eight innings versus Bangladesh and Pakistan, his top innings was 29

Scoreless overnight following the second day's play in the third match versus Pakistan at The Oval, Cook believed this would be his final Test performance ahead of potential omission

"There I was at the bar, trying to find the solution in the bottom of a beer bottle," he reveals

Decisive Instance

Cook's 110 secured his place on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations with two victories and one draw in practice matches down under

Come the first Test at the Gabba, they faced a Siddle hat-trick

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to the third day's close, Cook and Strauss started the English reply with a deficit of 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 by day's end then continued with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history

"My memory doesn't retain any instructions, our conversations," Cook remembers

Both left-handed batsmen added 188 together

His unbeaten 235 represented the top score achieved by a Briton in Australia in eight decades

Total Command

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

After Anderson also dismissed the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and couldn't recover

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings during a memorable Test featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

The Final Triumph

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

Then came arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition in Australia

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the massive stadium of Australian sport, and on Boxing Day, the Australian team were blown away for 98

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

The Final Victory

Fuelled by the focus to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the SCG

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

The debate didn't concern if victory would come the match and the Ashes, rather when

"The atmosphere was incredible," says Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the last player to secure victory, it was a moment of complete happiness"

Legacy and Recognition

He earned series honors

The remaining seven years in his international career included other milestones

Following his international retirement, Cook was knighted for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|