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Brendon McCullum detested the moniker Bazball from its inception, considering it reductive and perhaps anticipating how it could be used as a weapon down the line. Currently, down 2-0 in an away Ashes series that started with high hopes, it has become the butt of mockery from Australia.

However McCullum has not helped himself either. Following the gut-wrenching defeat at the Gabba, his claim that, if there was an issue, England were 'too prepared' prior to the day-night Test was akin to attempting to extinguish a bin fire with petrol. It risks becoming his lasting legacy as national coach if performances do not improve.

On one level, you almost have to admire his dedication to the philosophy. As much as he says he block out external noise, he will have been acutely aware of an England team often described as freewheeling and underprepared.

The truth, as ever, is not so simple. England play as much golf during their scheduled breaks as their rivals and they train just as much. Before the Gabba Test, they trained for longer, completing five days to Australia's three, given their limited experience to the pink ball and the changes in lighting conditions.

The Question of Preparation and Training

McCullum's point about being "excessively ready" was that those five extra days were his call – the moment he blinked in his conviction that minimal preparation is best. It suggested a significant amount of focus was expended before they even stepped out in the cauldron of Australia's stronghold. While net practice are a opportunity to iron out technique, they can also become a safety blanket; zero consequence work that mainly keeps the reflexes sharp.

Fixtures are tight such that pre-series state games were not possible (with uncertain value, when you consider England playing three before the 5-0 series loss in 2013-14). More difficult to justify is the disregard of domestic red-ball cricket as a worthwhile exercise in general, as shown by a young player's unproductive season.

On-Field Deficiencies and Strategic Lack of Evolution

Only playing prepares cricketers for the many situations they encounter, and it is in this area where England have thus far fallen well short. The issue is not just with the batting – as poor as some of the decision-making has been – but an bowling attack that seems without a spearhead. None has demonstrated the patience or control that the otherworldly Mitchell Starc and his support cast have displayed.

The coach's free-spirit approach was liberating during its first 12 months, an excellent, apt remedy to eradicate the lethargy that came before. The disappointment now stems from how it has seemingly not evolved past that point – the lack of an upgrade to the initial philosophy that has seen results decline to 14 wins and 14 losses from their last 30 Tests.

Squad Focus and Selection Decisions

Among them is Jamie Smith, a gifted player, undoubtedly, but one who is being mercilessly targeted on each side of the bat and missed two key chances with the gloves. It probably does not help when your opposite number, the Australian keeper, has just produced a virtuoso performance.

Based on McCullum's comments in the aftermath, England look likely to persist with Smith in Adelaide. The expectation – similar to the broader situation – is that a return to a more familiar Test setting unleashes his top form, with Perth's bouncy pitch and the unfamiliar floodlit Test now out of the way.

The alternative is to enact the plan discovered during the series win in New Zealand 12 months ago by moving Ollie Pope down to his more natural home as a active No. 5 or 6, handing him the gloves, and selecting a new No 3. A young contender made some runs for the Lions over the weekend, or perhaps Will Jacks could fulfil a comparable function to the former spinner in 2023.

Ultimately, these changes is perfect, with Australia's better fundamentals having destroyed expectations and pushed the broader philosophy into the spotlight.