Head coach admits that preparation 'didn't work'

HEAD coach Brendon McCullum has admitted for the first time that mistakes in England's Ashes preparations played a part in his side's downfall Down Under.

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A team that travelled with wind in its sails and lofty expectations has been brutally brought to heel by Australia, who have secured the urn again with a hat-trick of thumping wins in Perth, Brisbane and now Adelaide.

England finally took a Test match into the fifth day in South Australia, making a spirited attempt to hunt down a world record target of 435 but ultimately falling 82 short.

It has been a chastening experience for a team side whose buccaneering 'Bazball' stylings have gradually been worn down by the relentless class of their opponents.