Before the Ashes series got underway there was an incredible amount of hype - partly because the media has upped its tempo since the last Australian visit four years ago, and partly because England are actually quite good again.
But, and it's a big but, most experts, pundits and punters, plus me, thought that Australia would win the series. The excitement was because we thought we would give them a run for their money. My own bet was on 3-1, with England winning the second Test to level the series and then getting a good old-fashioned arse kicking.
That England are 2-1 up, with one to play, brings double delight. Firstly, we have turned over the mighty Australians. One of the most complete sporting teams in the history of sport, the Australians can be compared to the 1980's West Indies in cricket, the 1990's Chicago Bulls in Basketball, and the 2003/04 Arsenal team in Football.
England are ahead not just by playing well, they are ahead because they made Australia play badly. Cricket is the most tactical and psychological team sport around and if you can make the opposition lose their cool, you are half way to victory. This was amply illustrated on Saturday when the Australian captain finally lost it in one of the most satisfying sporting moments of the year. The Aussies "don't like it up 'em", and frankly we are loving it.
The other reason to celebrate is the sheer excitement of the games. This is becoming one of the greatest test series ever played and for the first time in many years, football has almost been forgotten.
Every match has swung one way and then the other, and apart from an England drubbing in the first, it has been impossible to predict the results even into the last 30 minutes of play. A 2 run win, a draw with 9 down on day 5, and a 3 wicket win after enforcing a follow-on. This is the stuff of cricketing dreams. My cup truly runneth over.
The final test starts on September 8th, giving my finger nails time to grow back, and whatever happens, and whatever the result, there will probably be some grown men crying at the end. I might well be among them.