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Brendon McCullum despised the label Bazball from its inception, deeming it overly simplistic and maybe anticipating how it could be weaponised in the future. Right now, trailing 2-0 in an away Ashes series that began with great expectations, it has turned into the subject of mockery from Australia.

But the coach has contributed to the problem either. Following the crushing defeat at the Gabba, his claim that, if anything, England were 'over-prepared' before the day-night Test was like attempting to extinguish a rubbish fire with petrol. It risks becoming his epitaph as national coach if results do not improve.

On one level, you almost have to admire his dedication to the philosophy. While he says he ignore outside criticism, he will have been acutely aware of an England team often described as carefree and lacking preparation.

The reality, as always, is not so simple. England enjoy golf just as much during their scheduled breaks as their opponents and they train just as much. Prior to the Gabba Test, they did more, completing five days compared to Australia's three, given their limited experience to the pink Kookaburra ball and the different lighting conditions.

The Debate of Preparation and Training

McCullum's point about being "over-prepared" was that those additional training days were his decision – the instance he wavered in his belief that minimal preparation is best. It meant a significant amount of focus was used up before they even stepped out in the cauldron of Australia's stronghold. And though nets are a chance to iron out technique, they can also become a comfort zone; zero consequence activity that mainly keeps the reactions quick.

Fixtures are congested such that pre-series state games were unavailable (with no guarantee, when you consider 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 wasted summer.

On-Field Deficiencies and Strategic 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. 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. No bowler has shown the persistence or discipline that the exceptional Mitchell Starc and his teammates have delivered.

McCullum's free-spirit approach was liberating during its initial year, an excellent, apt solution to eradicate the torpor that preceded it. The frustration now stems from how it has apparently not evolved past that initial phase – the lack of an upgrade to the original software that has seen results decline to an even record from their most recent matches.

Squad Focus and Selection Dilemmas

One such player is the wicketkeeper-batter, a gifted player, undoubtedly, but one who is being mercilessly targeted on both edges and missed two key chances as wicketkeeper. It probably does not help when your opposite number, Alex Carey, has just produced a masterful display.

Going by the coach's comments after the match, England appear set to keep the faith with Smith in Adelaide. The expectation – as is the case – is that a return to a more familiar Test setting unleashes his best, with Perth's trampoline surface and the unusual day-night format now in the past.

The alternative is to implement the plan stumbled across during the victorious series in New Zealand last year by moving the batsman down to his more natural home as a busy No. 5 or 6, handing him the gloves, and selecting a new No 3. A young contender scored runs for the Lions recently, or perhaps Will Jacks could perform a similar role to Moeen Ali in 2023.

Ultimately, none of this is perfect, with Australia's superior basics having shattered pre-series optimism and forced the team's entire approach into the spotlight.