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Brendon McCullum detested the moniker Bazball from its inception, deeming it overly simplistic and perhaps anticipating how it might be used as a weapon in the future. Right now, down 2-0 in an Test series in Australia that started with great expectations, it has turned into the subject of Australian jokes.

But the coach has contributed to the problem either. After the gut-wrenching loss at the Gabba, his claim that, if there was an issue, England were 'too prepared' before the pink-ball match was like attempting to extinguish a bin fire with petrol. It risks becoming his epitaph as England head coach if performances do not improve.

On one level, one must admire his commitment to the bit. While he claims to block out outside criticism, he will have been acutely aware of an England team often described as carefree and lacking preparation.

The reality, as ever, is not so simple. England enjoy golf just as much 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, due to their lack of exposure to the pink Kookaburra ball and the changes in seeing conditions.

The Question of Readiness and Training

McCullum's point about being "over-prepared" was that those five extra days were his call – the moment he wavered in his conviction that less is more. It suggested a significant amount of focus was expended before they even stepped out in the cauldron of Australia's fortress. And though net practice are a chance to iron out technique, they can also become a comfort zone; zero consequence activity that simply keeps the reactions quick.

Fixtures are tight such that warm-up matches against state sides were unavailable (and no guarantee, as shown by England having played three before the 5-0 series loss in 2013-14). What is harder to square is the disregard of domestic red-ball cricket as a valuable experience more broadly, evidenced by Jacob Bethell's unproductive season.

Match Shortcomings and Philosophical Lack of Evolution

Only playing prepares cricketers for the various scenarios they walk out to face, and it is here where England have thus far been found lacking. The issue is not just with the bat – harrowing as some of the shot selection has been – but an attack that seems without a spearhead. None has demonstrated the patience or discipline that the otherworldly Mitchell Starc and his teammates have delivered.

The coach's free-spirit outlook 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 failed to move beyond that initial phase – an absence of an second phase to the original software that has seen results decline to an even record from their most recent matches.

Squad Focus and Selection Dilemmas

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 crucial opportunities with the gloves. The situation is not aided when your counterpart, Alex Carey, has just delivered a masterful display.

Going by McCullum's words after the match, England appear set to keep the faith with Smith in Adelaide. The hope – similar to the broader situation – is that a switch to a traditional match environment unleashes his top form, with Perth's bouncy pitch and the unusual floodlit Test now in the past.

Another option is to enact the plan stumbled across during the series win in New Zealand last year by moving the batsman down to his preferred position as a busy No. 5 or 6, giving him the gloves, and selecting a fresh face at first drop. Bethell scored runs for the Lions recently, or maybe an all-rounder could perform a similar role to the former spinner in 2023.

In the end, these changes is perfect, however Australia's superior basics having destroyed expectations and forced the team's entire approach into the harsh glare of scrutiny.