Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.
The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.
It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.
The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.
I gained a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.
Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?
Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.
There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.
However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other to account.
"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."
Even when a young player, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.
Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.
Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.
That accountability, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.
Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.
My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.
It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.
Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.
Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.
I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.
Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.
For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.
Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.
Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.
Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.
Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.
Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.
Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.
That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.
Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.
Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.
Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third 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 involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.
The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.
Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.
On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.
An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.
England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.
Elara is a financial strategist with over a decade of experience in wealth management and entrepreneurship.
