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You can find an illuminating piece of footage featuring Brendon McCullum and Rob Key. Recorded during 2016, it shows the two men in a state of youthful vigour, joking on the outfield nominally talking about the art of hitting.

The dynamic on display is undeniable. It feels romantic comedy energy. It embodies the essence of ‘Bazball’ philosophy: a focus on achieving a clear head above all else.

“My plan is to hit the ball over there, sometimes somewhere else,” he explains nonchalantly. When asked regarding his quick hands, his response is: “I’m not entirely sure.”

This is not great revelation that his masterclass lacks deep intellectual detail. The insight lies in hearing a supremely talented player articulate a philosophy of instinct and simplicity. He admits his red-ball approach was transferable due to the fact “in Test cricket I never really had a solid defence capable of withstanding top-class attacks.”

A Fundamental Issue: Is a Motivational Figure Run an Ashes Tour?

This prompts an essential query: Should you entrust the ‘masterclasser’ to plan, overseeing, and detail-manage a gruelling Test series in Australia? Furthermore, what if this philosophy subsequently falters because of slack planning? Should you then ask the same person to try again, to change a life approach centred around stripping things away?

At this point, the coach has begun to feel akin to an inspirational guru where the one-trick message has been applied to an entire complex organisation. His role as a valuable inspirational figure is not in doubt. Yet this is not the same as he is the right person to oversee the entire minute logistical planning.

Judgement Must Come

For this reason, McCullum must now be judged under normal rules of performance, whatever the final result this weekend. One could make a case suggesting both teams might benefit structurally from losing the last match.

However, it would be a mistake to get distracted should England secure a final win. Nothing has changed. The primary job for the leadership involved oversee the environment and handle the logistics. You do not excuse poor preparation simply because the talent on the field managed to overcome it later on.

Maintaining perspective could be hard if the team win or draw in Sydney. Many distractions already exist. The host nation's response to defeat in Melbourne was wildly exaggerated, from criticism of the pitch to lamentations about the death of warrior culture. This is highly distractingly feelgood for English supporters.

Don’t Be Misled

• Do not get distracted by the fact the fourth Test was an excellent victory despite the pitch furore.
• Do not be distracted with the imminent T20 World Cup, a competition which pop up with relentless frequency.
• Above all, don’t be distracted that replacing the management will not solve the chronic systemic issues of the domestic game.

Indeed, this last point is key. Hiring of inspirational but inexperienced figures for top jobs; acceptance of a casual approach, cronyism, and PR-ing poor decisions: this embodies a huge amount of what is wrong with the sport.

The Precedent of Poor Preparation

Hence accountability is non-negotiable. What message is sent should it emerge teams are excused for skipping adequate preparation matches, not employing a fielding coach, or not organising a day-night practice game for squad members unfamiliar with a pink ball?

Consider also every other fine detail, including the curious case of the young spinner, who was replaced by Will Jacks. If such oversights are ignored, then that standards are meaningless.

Even before the final Test, attempts to rewrite history has begun. Some suggest it was acceptable to skip practice games as the team has done so before and won. Such reasoning overlooks key differences, namely that past opponents lacked preparation, while Australia were primed and ready. The fact that you succeeded once without studying does not mean you should never study.

The Path Forward and Stokes’s Key Role

The primary case for retaining the current regime centres on lessons can be learned from these mistakes. The notion that McCullum might develop a grasp of detail to his inspirationalism remains unproven. His super-strength has been paring it back. What would ‘Baz’ with data briefings even function?

Ben Stokes is now pivotal. His mid-series comments felt like emergency attempt to inject rigour and accountability behind the team’s baggy first principles. Stokes will provide to give his own tour review. An honest, impartial account might easily leave McCullum in serious trouble, and the director forced to own up to a lack of oversight.

The final Test offers a chance for another victory. Yet this must not be permitted to cloud the fundamental issues. There is a need for accountability, for stakes, and a forensic eye on performance. This is Test cricket where standards must be upheld.