Allan Border has said there is "no sign of England wilting and no proof that Australia can lift their game" ahead of next week's fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval.
England's three-wicket win last week at Trent Bridge left them 2-1 up and, if nothing else, ended a run of eight successive Ashes defeats that began when former captain Border led Australia to a 4-0 victory in England in 1989.
Despite being in control for most of the match in Nottingham, England had to survive a fearsome spell from leg-spinner Shane Warne before reaching their target of 129.
But Australia might have had no hope of retaining the Ashes by now had not rain washed out most of the third day of the third Test at Old Trafford, a match where England were left one wicket short of victory.
"This npower Ashes Series could so easily be 3-1 to England without weather intervention," Border said Wednesday.
"England's tactics have been fantastic. Michael Vaughan's stature as a captain has grown and his players have enhanced their reputation, in particular Andrew Flintoff who has just got better and better.
"Although the Australians are still in the hunt for the Ashes, every player will need to lift their performance levels several notches to win.
However, Border said much would depend on the fitness of veteran Australia quick Glenn McGrath, who missed England's win at Trent Bridge with an elbow problem and the hosts's two-run win at Edgbaston because of a freak ankle injury when he trod on a ball during the warm-up.
"I still believe the Aussies are capable of turning the tide especially with a fit McGrath back in the side.
"It is no accident that the Aussies have lost the two games in this series in which McGrath has not played in."
And Border said Australia captain Ricky Ponting should stop complaining about England's use of substitute fielders. "The Australians also seem to be jumping at shadows - worrying about 12th men fielding, questioning decisions - showing clear signs of a team that is under pressure.