🔗 Share this article

The Queensland capital isn't a location providing the Three Lions badly required hope for the Ashes

After defeat by the hosts at the series start, the visiting team must stir themselves for a trip to the famous Gabba, a ground where the English haven't triumphed since 1986

Players representing England have often become easy prey in Brisbane

The Inspirational Achievement

Throughout modern times of broken English hopes, hopes and athletes lies an inspirational story provided by an exceptional player

Today commemorates 15 years since Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba via a landmark 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match during that famous series establishing England's trajectory to their only Ashes series win down under during recent memory

Record-Breaking Performance

This marked the start of Cook's triumphant tour of Australia; three hundreds totaling 766 runs

Cricket great Hammond remains the sole English player to score more runs during a Test series in this country

Victory came 3-1, where each success through innings victories

They have not won a Test victory there since that historic campaign

Cook's Memories

"You forget the challenging periods, the nervousness and anxiety involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. I made an important impact in a series when England triumphed 3-1 in Australia where each victory was achieved comprehensively"

The Road to Greatness

His journey to his Australian epic commenced well before after that year's Ashes in England

Though England triumphed, the opener averaged less than 25 managing only one innings above 50

He sought improvement

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

Skill Development

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

The initial results showed promise

He scored three hundreds during winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Crucial Turning Points

Upon his return to British conditions during the 2010 season, Cook had a "stinker"

During eight batting opportunities against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his highest score totaled just 29 runs

Scoreless overnight after the second day's play during the final Test versus Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook believed it might be his concluding international appearance ahead of potential omission

"I was sitting in the bar, attempting to discover the resolution by drowning sorrows," he admits

Decisive Instance

His century secured his place on the plane to Australia

England continued their preparations with two victories and one draw in practice matches on Australian soil

Come the first Test at the Gabba, they encountered three wickets from Siddle

Memorable Collaboration

Shortly prior to the end of the third day, Cook and Strauss began England's second batting effort with a deficit of 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 at stumps and proceeded with an exhibition engraved in cricket memory

"I cannot recall specific guidance, anything of what we spoke about," Cook remembers

The opening pair accumulated 188 runs in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal represented the top score from an English player on Australian soil since the 1930s

Total Command

England capitalised on an astonishing first morning in the second match in South Australia

Following Anderson's additional wicket the Australian batsman, Australia were 2-3 and struggled throughout

The batsman proceeded his Brisbane heroics through a 148-run innings in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian attack

The Final Triumph

England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, however Johnson to indicate the trouble that would come later

What followed was arguably England's best performance of Ashes cricket on Australian soil

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian sport, on the holiday, the home side collapsed to 98 all out

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. Incredulity reigned at the end of the day," says Cook

Series Conclusion

Fuelled by the focus to win the urn, the batsman performed brilliantly in Sydney

His 189 contributed to England's 644, their record innings on Australian soil

The question was not if England would win the game and series, rather when

"The atmosphere was incredible," recalls Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the last player to win the match, that was a time of pure elation"

Enduring Impact

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons of his cricket journey included additional achievements

After retiring internationally, he received a knighthood for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|