A lot of credit should go to Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes for what they have done for our cricket, but it is obvious that Bazball has run its race.

Hubris has taken over from common sense, and that cannot be allowed to carry on. Stokes and McCullum are like men digging a hole to nowhere. If what you are doing isn’t working, then stop digging. Change is absolutely necessary to step up to the next level.

What would I do? Change the coach. We are tired of this duo talking a good game but not delivering against the best teams so Rob Key, it is time for you to assert yourself.

I would also sit down with Stokes and find out if he will compromise on his approach to batting and be prepared to embrace new ideas.

As a world-class all-rounder, England need him on board because he affects the balance of the team. You do not want to lose him, but if he doesn’t see that a change of attitude is needed then you have to find a new captain.

That would be a sad day and a huge call, but Ben and his teammates have always stressed the importance of the team above the individual, so you cannot compromise even for the captain.

Rival Ashes captains Ben Stokes and Pat Cummins shake hands at the end of the Adelaide Test.Credit: Getty Images

I wouldn’t want Harry Brook as the new captain. How could he ask batsmen to act more responsibly when he attempts some of the most irresponsible strokes you can imagine? When the penny drops for Harry, and we see a more rounded batsman than maybe you could have a rethink.

If there is no change in personnel and attitude, then you get the same cricket and the same failures.

There has to be a shift in policy, ideas and mindset for England to go to the next level.

They don’t accept the fact that when England come under pressure against the “big two” of Australia and India, they are found wanting in technique, unable to think on their feet and adjust to the rhythm of Test cricket.

Some of them have the same faults and keep making the same........

© The Sydney Morning Herald