Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.
They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.
This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.
Series on the Brink
The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.
I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.
Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?
At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.
Attitude and Accountability
There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.
But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.
"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."
Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.
Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.
A Winning Formula
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 united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.
That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.
Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.
Examining the Approach
My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.
It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.
Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.
Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action to address them.
I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger behind closed doors.
Evolution Required
Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.
For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.
If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.
Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.
Australian Standouts
Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, 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 Ian Healy and Gilchrist.
Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.
Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.
That debate has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.
Settling the Order
From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.
Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.
Injuries and the Adelaide Test
Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.
This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.
The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.
The Final Word
Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.
This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.
An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.
England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.
