To lose by an innings within three days was a really feeble effort, but such is the mental state of the players, and the lack of cohesion within the team, that it is not a surprise.
An example of the chaotic thinking was Kevin Pietersen's move to number four this afternoon.
It was not before time - he should have been batting there throughout the series - but this happened half way through this match, and only after it had been written that he had declined the request to bat there in the first innings.
He looked thoroughly aloof when he walked out to bat, and a loose drive resulted in his being bowled for only a single.
This, combined with the discovery that up to five players opted to do their own thing on Christmas Day rather than enjoy the time honoured tradition of spending Christmas lunch together, paints a picture of a group devoid of real team spirit in the true sense.
All criticism of England has to be tempered with a respectful nod to the Australians for the focused, determined and disciplined cricket they have played ever since losing the Ashes last year.
This has to be the legacy of England’s disastrous tour - either they take heed of the way the Australians coped with their defeat, or they will learn nothing from this.
All we ask of Andrew Flintoff's men in Sydney is that they play with every ounce of pride, purpose, commitment and consistency that has been lacking thus far.
There is no shame when, having given everything, you lose to a better opponent. But the players need to show the doubters that they have spirit.
The fact is, though, that 5-0 beckons for only the second time in Ashes history. For Australia, this will bring redemption. For England: humiliation and recrimination.
BBC special blog production
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