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Brendon McCullum detested the term Bazball from its inception, considering it reductive and maybe foreseeing how it might be weaponised in the future. Right now, down 2-0 in an Test series in Australia that began with high hopes, it has turned into the subject of Australian jokes.

However the coach has contributed to the problem either. After the crushing loss at the Gabba, his claim that, if anything, England were 'over-prepared' before the pink-ball match was like attempting to extinguish a bin fire with petrol. It could become his epitaph as England head coach if results do not take an upturn.

In a way, you almost have to admire his dedication to the philosophy. As much as McCullum says he block out outside criticism, he must have been all too aware of an England team often described as carefree and underprepared.

The truth, as always, is more nuanced. England enjoy golf just as much during their scheduled breaks as their rivals and they train just as much. Prior to the Gabba Test, they did more, logging five days compared to Australia's three, given their limited experience to the pink ball and the different lighting conditions.

The Debate of Preparation and Practice

The coach's point about being "over-prepared" was that those additional training days were his call – the instance he wavered in his conviction that less is more. It suggested a significant amount of focus was used up before they even stepped out in the cauldron of Australia's stronghold. While nets are a chance to iron out technique, they can also become a comfort zone; zero consequence activity that mainly keeps the reflexes sharp.

Fixtures are tight such that warm-up matches against state sides were unavailable (and uncertain value, when you consider England playing three before the 5-0 series loss in 2013-14). More difficult to justify is the dismissal of domestic red-ball cricket as a valuable experience in general, evidenced by Jacob Bethell's wasted summer.

Match Shortcomings and Philosophical Stagnation

Match practice alone prepares cricketers for the many situations they encounter, and it is in this area where England have so far been found lacking. It is not only with the batting – harrowing as some of the shot selection has been – but an bowling attack that seems without a spearhead. None has shown the persistence or discipline that the exceptional Mitchell Starc and his teammates have displayed.

McCullum's unconventional approach was liberating during its first 12 months, an effective, apt remedy to eradicate the torpor that came before. The disappointment now stems from how it has seemingly not evolved past that initial phase – the lack of an second phase to the original software that has seen form taper off to an even record from their most recent matches.

Squad Focus and Team Decisions

Among them is the wicketkeeper-batter, a talent, no question, but one who is being mercilessly targeted on both edges and missed two crucial opportunities with the gloves. The situation is not aided when your opposite number, Alex Carey, has just delivered a virtuoso performance.

Based on McCullum's comments in the aftermath, England look likely to keep the faith with Smith in Adelaide. The hope – similar to the broader situation – is that a switch to a more familiar Test setting triggers his best, with Perth's trampoline surface and the unusual floodlit Test now in the past.

Another option is to implement the plan stumbled across during the series win in New Zealand 12 months ago by moving the batsman down to his preferred position as a busy middle order player, handing him the wicketkeeping duties, and picking a fresh face at first drop. A young contender made some runs for the Lions over the weekend, or perhaps Will Jacks could fulfil a similar role to the former spinner in 2023.

Ultimately, these changes is perfect, with Australia's superior basics having shattered expectations and pushed the broader philosophy into the spotlight.