The Ben Stokes-led England arrived in Australia bullish that they could win the Ashes Down Under for the first time since 2010-11. But their hopes imploded with heavy eight-wicket defeats each in Perth and Brisbane before an 82-run loss in Adelaide, leaving the ultra-aggressive "Bazball" style of cricket in tatters.

After conceding the urn in just 11 days of cricket, the English management is facing a barrage of criticism, with many experts and former cricketers calling for an overhaul.

Meanwhile, former England skipper Alastair Cook has offered candid assessment of England’s struggles down under, highlighting flawed selection pathways and a widening gap between county performances and chances at the Test level.

"There is a massive disconnect at this minute from this England side to county cricket. I do think that needs to be addressed. Because if you are banging out runs in county cricket or wickets in county cricket, there must be a path into the Test team. I think at minute they risen, so I think that needs to be looked at. They have done a good job," Cook said on TNT Sports.

Cook also brought up England’s recent assignments for discussion, particularly the series against India at home. He suggested the 2-2 outcome of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy may have painted a kinder picture than reality.

"I like Rob Key, I like McCullum. I like how they think but I do think they have taken their eye off the ball for the biggest series. They’ve taken the eye off the ball for the biggest series. We talk about India, they lost. They drew India and India got thumped by South Africa, so that Indian side wasn’t a great side either. Reality has hit this Test team," he added.

After losing three back-to-back Ashes Tests, England bounced back to register a four-wicket victory in the Boxing Day contest at MCG. They will look to finish the series on a high in the New Year’s Test at SCG, slated to begin on January 4.