Former captain Michael Vaughan fears not all England players have fully adapted to the existing team culture and believes the backroom staff are “made up of cheerleaders”. Warne suggested that England must follow the example of Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola and create a cruel environment by conducting an honest reflection on India’s 4-1 defeat. India registered a brilliant series victory by an innings and 64 runs in three days in the fifth and final Test on Saturday.

“After India’s humiliating defeat, I firmly believe that honesty is the most important thing for this England team at the moment,” Vaughan wrote in his column in the Daily Telegraph.

Vaughan, who led the Test team from 2003-08, added: “I don’t think they need to ruin everything. They play better that way than they would otherwise.

“I respect what they’re trying to do and get up early every day to watch them because they keep me on edge and I know something is going to happen.

“The biggest frustration is that they have the talent to be really competitive around the world, but they’ve lost two big series, and in this case it’s because their batting has been abysmal.” Warne Accusing team management of being too soft on players, he said he understands the feeling of positivity, fun and laughter that permeates training camp may not always lead to the desired results.

“You hear the same thing in every interview, about excitement, opportunity and fun, and everyone is having the time of their lives.

“I’ve been exposed to a lot of them over the past few years and their language can be inspiring. I appreciate some of them, but I can be a little cynical and I worry that they’re speaking language that not everyone can relate to. “Some of them truly believe that this is dangerous.

“Some players will believe that, but not all. We can’t all think that way.” He added: “Winning is what keeps the fun bus going, not endless talk about how fun you are.

“The truth is, it’s not always fun because it’s so hard. Positivity is good and inspiring, but there’s also a need for honesty.” Vaughan said team managers can’t shy away from taking tough calls for tough demands. Therefore, they don’t need to look beyond Guardiola.

“The message from the team is to never doubt anything, never admit that you are wrong or that they could have done things differently. Everything is comfortable. Everyone is a partner: the players, the coaches, the backroom staff. It’s not going to happen An environment that breeds ruthlessness.

“I know I make a big deal about how good Guardiola is, but you don’t hear that he’s team-mate with the Manchester City players. He’s the boss of Manchester City and he doesn’t always do what the players want. Ruthless decisions were made in terms of the training regime.” Warne was most unhappy with England players spending time in Abu Dhabi and playing golf in Bangalore when they had long breaks between Tests.

“England’s management gave the players everything they wanted, such as a break in Abu Dhabi without cricket gear and a golf trip to Bengaluru midway through the tour.

“I’m not one of those old-school prep teams who start the tour with three first-class games. Those days are gone and there’s no need for that. But certainly, with two long breaks, you There are some members of the cricket team who need to play outside so they are ready when needed and keep the XI on their toes.

“It might also help the players on the team get into shape. If you do nothing, you’re going to get into a Catch-22.” He added, “I do worry that this is a behind-the-scenes team made up of cheerleaders. “That’s based on what I’ve heard in public and maybe it’s different in the locker room, but players need to be challenged and questioned sometimes.”

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