Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.
They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible reversal.
This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.
A Critical Juncture
This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.
I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.
Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? 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.
Mindset and Responsibility
There exists much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.
But I don't like the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.
"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."
Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.
Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.
The Australian Blueprint
Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.
That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.
Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.
Examining the Approach
My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.
It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.
Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.
Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.
I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.
Evolution Required
Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can incorporate 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 deserve significant credit of credit.
Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.
And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.
Australian Standouts
Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.
Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.
Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.
Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.
That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.
The New Opening Pair
Ever since Batsman 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 cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.
Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.
Absences and the Next Challenge
Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.
That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.
Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.
The Final Word
Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.
This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.
An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.
England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.
