So to perhaps the result that ended Bazball in the minds of many, even if not in reality: An Ashes trashing in Australia.
England walking off buoyant at the end of the first day in Perth seems a distant memory.
Despite being bowled out for 172, the visitors were set for a first-innings lead after reducing Australia to 123-9.
Even just after lunch on day two, it was all going well for England as they led by more than 100, just one wicket down.
Then it all went wrong.
A collapse from 65-1 to 88-6, Travis Head smashing them to all parts and defeat in two days.
Australia needed slightly longer to finish them off in the day-nighter in Brisbane but still won comfortably, and while there was a little more fight late on in Adelaide, it came too late and the Ashes dream was over.
All this against an Australia side missing Pat Cummins for the first two Test (and able to rest for the last two), Josh Hazlewood for the entire series and Steve Smith for the third.
Victory in Melbourne, a first in Australia for 15 years, provided a consolation of sorts.
McCullum was given another chance but a 2-1 series defeat against New Zealand to start the home summer of 2026 saw him sacked by England.
