The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an urgent review after the Ben Stokes-led side lost the Ashes 2025-26 series against Australia 4-1. ECB chief executive Richard Gould, who was in Sydney for the fifth and final Test at the SCG, confirmed changes would be made in the coming months.
England’s Ashes defeat has raised new questions on the team’s preparations for the tour. The visitors had arrived with the hope of winning the series but were disappointed after losing it in just 11 days. The result has cast doubt on whether the England team’s build-up was good enough.
England played only one tour match before the first Test in Perth, leading to increased criticism. Concerns were further heightened when the team went on a pre-planned break in Noosa while already trailing 2–0 in the series, leading many to question their focus and preparation.
So it is extremely disappointing – ECB CEO Richard Gould
In a statement, Richard Gould admitted that England had failed to perform consistently. He said that the team reached Australia with great expectations but could not achieve its target of winning the series. Gould said Australia deserved to retain the Ashes.
“This Ashes tour began with significant hope and anticipation and so it is extremely disappointing that we have been unable to fulfill our ambition of winning the Ashes in Australia.” Gold said in the statement,
“Although there were strong performances and moments of resilience during the series, including a hard-fought victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne, we were not consistent enough across all conditions and stages of the competition, and Australia ultimately deserved to retain the Ashes.
We will take many lessons from this tour – Richard Gould
Richard Gould said the team would take a clear lesson from the defeat. He said the review will look at planning, preparation, player performance and behavior with the long-term goal of winning the Ashes back in 2027. Gould confirmed that changes would be made in the coming months.
“We will take many lessons from this tour and are committed to improving rapidly,” Gould said. “Our focus is on regaining the Ashes in 2027. A thorough review of the campaign is already underway. This will include tour planning and preparation, individual performance and behaviour, and our ability to adapt and respond effectively as circumstances require.
“The men’s team will now depart for Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup starting in February and we will implement the necessary changes over the coming months.”
We are grateful for courtesy and hospitality – Richard Gould
The ECB CEO thanked Cricket Australia for their hospitality during the tour and praised the England supporters for their loyal support throughout the series. He promised that the team will work hard to perform better in the future.
He concluded, “We are grateful for the courtesy and hospitality shown by Cricket Australia throughout the tour. As always, we are grateful to the traveling supporters who have supported the team at all times. Their loyalty and support has been humbling, and we are committed to repaying their trust with strong performances in the future.”
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