Pat Cummins is officially back in Australia's Test squad, with his return from back pain setting the hosts up for a shot at the quickest retention of the Ashes in more than a century.
Selectors on Wednesday made Cummins the one new addition to Australia's squad for next week's third Test, allowing them to keep all options open for Adelaide.
Cummins' back has progressed to the point where he is certain to play and captain the side barring any late mishaps, while Nathan Lyon will also return after his shock Gabba omission.
It was only two years ago in the 2023 Ashes that Australia squandered a 2-0 lead, with a washout and losses at Headingley and The Oval leaving the series drawn.
But this series is trending in the complete opposite direction with Cummins' return.
Where Australia lost Lyon to a calf injury during the second Test at Lord's in 2023, they will instead welcome he and Cummins back for the second half of this series.
England's poor batting, combined with Australia's level of bowling, has allowed the hosts to win the first two Tests in a combined six days.
A win before the end of day four in Adelaide next week would ensure the urn is secured within 10 days, eclipsing Australia's 11-day efforts in 2001 and 2002-03.
Not since the 1921 Ashes has an Ashes series been decided quicker, with Australia going 3-0 up inside eight days that year with Tests limited to three days each.
"The way that we've started the series has been good but still, lots of ways to improve," Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey said.
"But to come into Adelaide 2-0 is a good position to be in, the series is definitely not over and we understand that.
"We know that England are a very good cricket team.
"We also understand we're in a position like this two years ago over in England, and we weren't able to win that series, we were good enough to retain the Ashes.
"So for us, we're really excited for the opportunity we've got but also understand we've got to continue to play good cricket."
Cummins will enter next Wednesday in Adelaide without a match under his belt since first noticing discomfort in his back during Australia's 3-0 series sweep of West Indies in July.
But he was able to get through a full load of Test match bowling in the nets last week in Brisbane, after narrowly missing out on a Gabba return.
"It looks like he's moving really well," Carey said.
"He's been around the group the whole time with lots of energy.
"But it's been great to see the guys that haven't played as much Test cricket come in and do a fantastic job."
Cummins and Lyon's returns mean Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser are likely to miss.
The pair are every chance of playing in Melbourne or Sydney, given tight turnarounds and Josh Hazlewood being ruled out of the series this week.
Jhye Richardson could also come into the frame, after taking 4-35 for Australia A against the England Lions last week. He will train alongside the Test squad, as he completes his recovery from shoulder surgery earlier this year.
The other question mark for Adelaide surrounds Usman Khawaja, who has now overcome back spasms in a bid to reclaim his spot in the side.
Travis Head made scores of 33 and 22 opening alongside Jake Weatherald in Brisbane, following the South Australian's heroic fourth-innings century in the first Test.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald has floated the option of Khawaja batting in the middle order, if he is brought back into the XI at all.
AUSTRALIA'S SQUAD FOR THIRD ASHES TEST:
Pat Cummins (capt), Steve Smith, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
