Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing a mere six days of play.
The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.
It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.
A Critical Juncture
The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.
I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.
Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?
At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.
Mindset and Responsibility
There exists much I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.
But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.
"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."
Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.
Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.
The Australian Blueprint
Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.
That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a team.
Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.
A Culture in Question
My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.
It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.
Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.
Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something about it.
I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.
A New Version?
Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.
For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.
If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.
Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.
Key Performers for Australia
Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.
Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.
Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.
That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.
The New Opening Pair
From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.
Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.
Injuries and the Adelaide Test
Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.
This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.
Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.
The Final Word
Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.
On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.
An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.
England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.
