Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.
They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.
It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.
This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.
I got a close look of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.
Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?
Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.
There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.
However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.
"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."
Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.
Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.
Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we shared, such was the duration we spent together.
That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.
Certainly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.
My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.
It was almost as if England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.
Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.
Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.
I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.
Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.
Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.
If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.
Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.
Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.
Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.
Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.
Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.
That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.
Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.
Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.
Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.
This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.
Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.
Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.
On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.
An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming for a 5-0.
England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.
Elara is a seasoned gaming journalist with a passion for slot mechanics and player strategies.
