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Brendon McCullum despised the term Bazball from its inception, considering it overly simplistic and maybe anticipating how it might be used as a weapon in the future. Currently, down 2-0 in an Test series in Australia that began with great expectations, it has turned into the subject of mockery from Australia.

But McCullum has not helped himself either. Following the gut-wrenching defeat at the Gabba, his insistence that, if there was an issue, England were 'over-prepared' before the pink-ball match was akin to trying to put out a bin fire with petrol. It risks becoming his epitaph as England head coach if results do not improve.

On one level, one must admire his dedication to the philosophy. As much as McCullum claims to block out external noise, he must have been all too aware of an England team often described as freewheeling and lacking preparation.

The reality, as ever, is not so simple. England play as much golf during their necessary down time as their rivals and they practice equally hard. Prior to the Gabba Test, they did more, completing five days to Australia's three, given their limited experience to the pink Kookaburra ball and the different lighting conditions.

The Debate of Readiness and Training

McCullum's point about being "over-prepared" was that those additional training days were his decision – the moment he wavered in his belief that less is more. It meant a significant amount of focus was expended before they even stepped out in the intensity of Australia's stronghold. While nets are a opportunity to iron out skills, they can also become a comfort zone; low-pressure activity that simply keeps the reactions quick.

Fixtures are tight such that warm-up matches against state sides were not possible (with uncertain value, when you consider England having played three before the whitewash in 2013-14). More difficult to justify is the dismissal of domestic red-ball cricket as a valuable experience in general, evidenced by a young player's wasted summer.

Match Shortcomings and Strategic Stagnation

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 bat – harrowing as some of the shot selection has been – but an bowling attack that seems without a spearhead. None has shown the patience or discipline that the exceptional Mitchell Starc and his support cast have delivered.

The coach's free-spirit approach was freeing during its first 12 months, an effective, apt solution to shake off the torpor that came before. The disappointment now comes in how it has apparently not evolved past that initial phase – the lack of an second phase to the original software that has seen form decline to 14 wins and 14 losses from their last 30 Tests.

Squad Focus and Team Dilemmas

One such player is the wicketkeeper-batter, a gifted player, no question, but one who is being mercilessly targeted on both edges and has dropped two key chances as wicketkeeper. The situation is not aided when your opposite number, the Australian keeper, has just delivered a virtuoso display.

Based on McCullum's comments in the aftermath, England look likely to keep the faith with Smith in Adelaide. The hope – as is the case – is that a switch to a traditional Test setting unleashes his top form, with Perth's trampoline surface and the unusual day-night format now in the past.

The alternative is to implement the plan discovered during the series win in New Zealand last year by moving the batsman down to his preferred position as a active No. 5 or 6, giving him the wicketkeeping duties, and picking a new No 3. Bethell scored runs for the Lions recently, or perhaps Will Jacks could fulfil a similar role to the former spinner in 2023.

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