By the time England face New Zealand at Lord's, it will have been 145 days since their Ashes humiliation in Australia. Yet the fallout still hangs over Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum's side.
The months since have brought controversy, injuries, selection debates and an Ashes review, but the biggest challenge remains restoring confidence and credibility. McCullum once said the Ashes would define his team. Unfortunately for England, the tour may be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
The pressure is now firmly on. A poor series against New Zealand would only intensify scrutiny of the current regime and raise further questions about England's direction.
Yet there is reason for optimism. England's home record remains strong, having lost just one home series since 2014, while Stokes boasts the best win percentage of any England captain in the past 45 years.
The Ashes disappointment cannot be erased, but England's focus must now be on the future. The best way to silence the doubts is simple: start winning again.
