Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.
They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.
This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.
The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become embarrassing.
I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.
Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?
Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.
There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.
But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.
"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."
Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.
Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.
Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.
That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.
Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.
My concern for England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.
It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.
Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.
Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.
I have no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.
Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on 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 Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.
And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.
Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.
Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.
Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.
That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.
Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.
Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.
Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.
That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.
Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.
Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.
On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.
An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.
England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.
