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

After defeat by Australia at the series start, England must stir themselves for a trip to the famous Gabba, a stadium where victory has eluded England for decades

Men wearing three lions have frequently been lambs to the slaughter at this challenging venue

The Inspirational Achievement

Among a recent history of dashed English dreams, dreams and bodies lies an inspirational story achieved by a cricket hero

This marks a decade and a half after Alastair Cook mastered the Gabba via a landmark 235 without loss, rescuing the opening match from the 2010-11 series and setting England on course toward their sole series victory on Australian soil in the past 38 years

Unforgettable Series

This marked the start of Cook's triumphant Australian campaign; three hundreds accumulating 766 runs

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

The English triumphed 3-1, with every win by an innings

The team hasn't secured a Test victory there since those glory days

Looking Back

"You forget the difficult moments, the nervousness and anxiety involved in that achievement," the cricketer reflects

"I reflect proudly. My contribution was substantial in a tournament that saw England triumphed 3-1 in Australia with every match came through innings wins"

Path to Success

Cook's road toward Australian glory began 18 months earlier after that year's Ashes on home soil

Despite English victory, the opening batsman scored under 25 per innings managing only one innings exceeding half-century

He sought improvement

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

Skill Development

Just 48 hours following the celebrations, he was back at work facing countless deliveries in practice under Graham Gooch's guidance

Beginning performances were encouraging

The batsman achieved three hundred-run innings on the 2009-10 winter tours in South Africa and Bangladesh

Career-Defining Moments

When Cook returned to England for the 2010 summer, the left-hander struggled significantly

Across eight appearances facing these opponents, his highest score totaled just 29 runs

Without runs at the end of the second day in the third match facing Pakistan in London, Cook believed this would be his concluding international appearance prior to selection

"There I was in the bar, seeking the solution through drinking," he reveals

Critical Moment

His century guaranteed his seat on the plane to Australia

The team maintained preparations by winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games in Australia

When the first Test arrived at the Gabba, they encountered Peter Siddle's hat-trick

Record-Breaking Stand

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

They achieved 19 without loss at stumps and followed up with a performance engraved in cricket memory

"I don't remember specific guidance, our discussions," says Cook

The opening pair contributed 188 in their partnership

The 235 without dismissal was the highest score achieved by a Briton down under for 82 years

Series Dominance

The English took advantage of a remarkable opening session in the second match in South Australia

After Anderson also dismissed Michael Clarke, the score read 2-3 and never recovered

He continued his Brisbane success by scoring 148 in a famous match featuring Pietersen's destruction of the opposition bowlers

Ultimate Victory

Victory was possible the Ashes in Perth, but Mitchell Johnson to foreshadow the havoc he would cause four years later

Then came arguably England's best performance during Ashes competition down under

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 100,000-seater cathedral of Australian cricket, on the holiday, the Australian team were blown away for 98

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. Amazement prevailed as the day ended," says Cook

The Final Victory

Motivated by purpose to claim victory, the batsman performed brilliantly at the SCG

His 189 helped England reach 644, their highest total on Australian soil

The debate didn't concern if victory would come both match and urn, rather when

"The feeling was unbelievable," says Cook

"Following Tremlett's wicket of the final batsman to win the match, it represented an instant of pure elation"

Legacy and Recognition

Cook was player of the series

The following seven seasons in his international career were illuminated by additional achievements

Post-cricket career, he was honored for cricket contributions

"{I couldn't have played any better|