🔗 Share this article

Brisbane is not a city to give the Three Lions badly required confidence in the series

In the wake of losing to the hosts in the first Test, the visiting team have to bounce back before heading to Brisbane's Gabba, a ground where victory has eluded England for decades

English cricketers have often become lambs to the slaughter at the Gabbatoir

The Inspirational Triumph

Throughout modern times of broken English hopes, aspirations and players lies an inspirational story achieved by a shining knight

Today commemorates 15 years since Sir Alastair Cook dominated in Brisbane through a defining unbeaten 235, saving the first Test of 2010-11 paving England's path to their only Ashes series win down under in the past 38 years

Unforgettable Series

It commenced of his successful circumnavigation of Australia; three centuries totaling 766 runs

The legendary Hammond is the only Englishman to score more runs during a Test series on Australian soil

England won 3-1, where each success via comprehensive wins

They have not won success at this venue since that historic campaign

Personal Reflections

"You forget the tough times, the apprehension and concern that went into that," Cook recalls

"I look back with pride. I made an important impact in a series when the English secured a 3-1 victory on Australian soil and all three games were won by an innings"

Journey to Excellence

Cook's road to down under success began 18 months earlier following that year's Ashes in England

England won, the opener scored under 25 per innings with just one score over fifty

He sought improvement

"While cricket involves teamwork, individual contribution does make you feel like you want to pull your weight," he explains

Technical Transformation

Two days after the triumphant events, he returned hitting hundreds and hundreds of balls in the nets with Graham Gooch

Beginning performances were encouraging

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

Crucial Turning Points

When Cook returned to British conditions during the 2010 season, Cook struggled significantly

During eight batting opportunities facing these opponents, his best performance was 29

On nought not out following the second day of the third Test versus Pakistan at The Oval, the batsman felt certain he was playing his last Test innings ahead of potential omission

"There I was in the hospitality area, seeking the resolution by drowning sorrows," he reveals

Critical Moment

His century secured his place on the plane to Australia

Preparation continued by winning two and drawing one during preparatory contests in Australia

As the opening match began at the famous ground, they encountered three wickets from Siddle

Memorable Collaboration

Just before the third day's close, the opening pair began England's second batting effort trailing by 221 runs

The score stood at 19-0 when play concluded then continued with an exhibition remembered in Ashes history

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

Both left-handed batsmen contributed 188 for the first wicket

His unbeaten 235 was the highest score by an Englishman in Australia since the 1930s

Total Command

The English took advantage of an astonishing first morning during the following Test in Adelaide

When Anderson also nicked off Michael Clarke, the hosts stood at 2-3 and never recovered

He continued his Brisbane success by scoring 148 in a Test remembered for Kevin Pietersen dismantling the opposition bowlers

Ultimate Victory

England could have retained the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to indicate the trouble from future encounters

Then came perhaps England's single greatest day in Ashes history in Australia

At the MCG, the enormous ground of Australian sport, during Boxing Day, the hosts were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. There was disbelief when play concluded," Cook remembers

The Final Victory

Motivated by purpose to win the urn, Cook was at it again at the SCG

His score of 189 helped England reach 644, their best score in a Test in Australia

The question was not whether England would triumph the game and series, but the timing

"The atmosphere was incredible," Cook remembers

"When Tremlett got Michael Beer to claim triumph, that was a time of complete happiness"

Legacy and Recognition

The batsman received top accolades

The following seven seasons in his international career included further accomplishments

Post-cricket career, he was honored for sporting achievements

"{I couldn't have played any better|