Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.
The hosts were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.
It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.
This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.
I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.
Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?
Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved right.
There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.
But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.
"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."
Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.
Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.
We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we had as a group.
That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.
Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.
My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.
It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.
Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.
Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.
I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.
Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.
For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.
If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.
And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.
Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.
Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.
Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.
That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.
From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.
Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.
Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.
That is a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.
The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.
Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.
On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.
An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.
England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.
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