The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) yesterday said it had launched an immediate and “thorough” review following the tourists’ defeat in the fifth and final Ashes Test.
England’s preparations, coaching and off-field behavior all came under the microscope during a demoralizing series in Australia, which they lost 4-1.
As soon as the series was over, ECB chief executive Richard Gould released a statement calling the team’s failure to regain the Ashes “deeply disappointing.”
Photo: Reuters
Gould said there were “moments of strong performance and resilience,” notably victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne, which saved England from a humiliating series whitewash.
However, “we were not consistent enough across all conditions and phases of the contest and Australia ultimately deserved to retain the Ashes,” he added. “We will take many lessons from this tour and are determined to improve quickly. Our focus is on regaining the Ashes in 2027.”
“A thorough review of the campaign is already under way,” he said. “This will cover tour planning and preparation, individual performance and behaviors, and our ability to adapt and respond effectively as circumstances require.”
While captain Ben Stokes appears safe from the axe, the roles of head of cricket Rob Key and coach Brendon McCullum are set to come under the microscope.
Yesterday, the nervy hosts saw wickets tumble as they chased their 160 target, which they reached after lunch on day five with Cameron Green on 22 and Alex Carey on 16 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
For England it was the final chapter in a miserable series.
“That’s Ashes cricket. Everyone got tense,” said Carey, who hit the winning runs.
“Usman [Khawaja] is going to be missed. A great career and a great way to finish,” he added.
Australia lost openers Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34), along with captain Steve Smith (12) and Khawaja, who made 6 in his final knock before retirement.
“It means a lot. So much has gone into it. The only thing I wanted was a win, as much as I wanted to hit the winning runs,” said Khawaja, who was almost in tears as he walked off to a standing ovation after being bowled by Josh Tongue.
“The whole Test match I found it hard to control my emotions,” Khawaja added after his 88th and final appearance on the Test stage.
Marnus Labuschagne, dropped on 20, compiled 37 before needlessly running himself out to give Stokes’ men a flicker of hope as they reduced Australia to 121-5.
However, victory was never seriously in doubt after England were dismissed for 342 on the back of Jacob Bethell’s stylish 154.
“Australia are an incredible team,” said Stokes, whose side were outplayed over the course of the series. “They had individuals who stood up. Full credit to them, but we know we could have done better.”
Shortly after ECB’s statement, England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook issued an apology, saying he was “deeply sorry” for an altercation at a New Zealand nightclub ahead of the Ashes.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Brook, the limited-overs skipper and vice captain of the Test side in Australia, was involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer on Oct. 31 last year.
England lost to hosts New Zealand the next day in the third ODI in Wellington with Brook scoring 6.
The 26-year-old Brook was fined ￡30,000 (US$40,319) after reporting the incident to team management and was given a final warning about his behavior, the newspaper said.
“I want to apologize for my actions. I fully accept that my behaviour was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team,” he said in a statement. “Representing England is the greatest honour of all, which I take seriously and I am deeply sorry for letting down my teammates, coaches and supporters.”
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