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The Queensland capital isn't a city to give the Three Lions some much-needed confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to Australia at the series start, the tourists need to regroup before heading to the Gabba, a venue where victory has eluded England for decades

English cricketers have habitually been outmatched opponents at this challenging venue

A Shining Knight's Triumph

Among a recent history of English disappointments, hopes and athletes lies an inspirational story provided by an exceptional player

It is exactly a decade and a half after the legendary Cook dominated in Brisbane with a career-defining 235 not out, rescuing the opening match during that famous series establishing England's trajectory toward their sole series victory on Australian soil over nearly four decades

Unforgettable Series

It commenced of Cook's triumphant tour of Australia; three centuries accumulating 766 runs

The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman who has made more runs throughout a campaign down under

The English triumphed 3-1, with every win through innings victories

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

Looking Back

"People overlook the difficult moments, the apprehension and concern that went into that," Cook remembers

"I look back with pride. My contribution was substantial in a tournament that saw England triumphed 3-1 on Australian soil and all three games were won by an innings"

The Road to Greatness

Cook's road toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier at the end of the 2009 Ashes on home soil

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

He desired better

"Despite cricket's collective nature, individual contribution generates the feeling that personal responsibility matters," he explains

Skill Development

Two days after the celebrations, he was back practicing numerous deliveries in practice alongside Graham Gooch

Early outcomes showed promise

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

Pivotal Instances

Upon his return to British conditions for that year's summer, the left-hander struggled significantly

In eight innings against Bangladesh and Pakistan, his best performance reached only 29

Without runs following the second day's play during the final Test facing Pakistan at the famous ground, Cook was convinced he was playing his concluding international appearance prior to selection

"I was sitting at the bar, attempting to discover the answer in the bottom of a beer bottle," he admits

Decisive Instance

His century secured his place in the squad down under

The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one in practice matches down under

Come the first Test in Brisbane, they were hit by a Siddle hat-trick

Historic Partnership

Shortly prior to day three's conclusion, both batsmen 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 remembered in Ashes history

"My memory doesn't retain specific guidance, anything of what we spoke about," recalls Cook

The left-handers accumulated 188 runs in their partnership

Cook's 235 not out was the highest score by an Englishman on Australian soil since the 1930s

Total Command

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

After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, Australia were 2-3 and never recovered

Cook followed up his Brisbane success with 148 in a famous match for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the Australian bowling

Series Conclusion

The English might have secured the Ashes in Perth, only for Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc he would cause four years later

The subsequent events included perhaps England's single greatest day of Ashes cricket in Australia

In Melbourne, the massive stadium of Australian sport, on the holiday, the home side were dismissed for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, that defined it. Incredulity reigned when play concluded," says Cook

The Final Victory

Driven by determination to claim victory, Cook excelled once more at the SCG

The 189-run innings contributed to England's 644, their record innings on Australian soil

The debate didn't concern if England would win the match and the Ashes, rather when

"The feeling was unbelievable," recalls Cook

"After Tremlett dismissed the final batsman to claim triumph, it represented an instant of absolute joy"

Historical Significance

The batsman received top accolades

The remaining seven years of his Test career were illuminated by further accomplishments

After retiring internationally, Cook was knighted for services to cricket

"{I couldn't have played any better|