Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.
They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.
It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.
The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.
I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.
Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?
At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.
There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.
However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.
"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."
Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.
Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.
We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.
That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.
Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.
My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.
It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.
Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.
Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action about it.
I hold no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.
Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.
Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.
Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.
Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.
Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.
Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.
Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.
That discussion is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone expected.
Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity 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 suggested he might feature at number five.
Fitness issues will result in England's 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 understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.
The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.
Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.
On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.
An Australia team should always think it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.
England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.
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