The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has started an immediate review after the Ben Stokes-led team lost the Ashes 2025-26 series 4-1 against Australia. ECB chief executive Richard Gould, who was in Sydney for the fifth and final Test at the SCG, confirmed that changes will be made in the coming months.
England’s Ashes defeat has led to fresh questions about the team’s preparation for the tour. The visitors arrived with hopes of winning the series but were left disappointed after losing it within just 11 days. The result has raised doubts about whether the England team’s build-up was good enough.
England played only one tour match before the first Test in Perth, which added to the criticism. Concerns grew further after the team went on a pre-planned break in Noosa while already trailing 2-0 in the series, leaving many to question their focus and preparation.
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It Is Therefore Deeply Disappointing – ECB CEO Richard Gould
In a statement, Richard Gould admitted that England failed to perform consistently. He said the team arrived in Australia with high hopes but could not meet their goal of winning the series. Gould added that Australia deserved to retain the Ashes.
“This Ashes tour began with significant hope and anticipation, and it is therefore deeply disappointing that we have been unable to fulfil our ambition of winning the Ashes in Australia,” Gould said in the statement.
“While there were moments of strong performance and resilience during the series, including a hard-fought victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne, we were not consistent enough across all conditions and phases of the contest, and Australia ultimately deserved to retain the Ashes.
We Will Take Many Lessons From This Tour – Richard Gould
Richard Gould said the team will take clear lessons from the defeat. He stated that the review will look at planning, preparation, player performances, and behaviour, with the long-term goal of winning back the Ashes in 2027. Gould confirmed that changes will be put in place over the coming months.
“We will take many lessons from this tour and are determined to improve quickly,” Gould said. “Our focus is on regaining the Ashes in 2027. A thorough review of the campaign is already underway. This will cover tour planning and preparation, individual performance and behaviours, and our ability to adapt and respond effectively as circumstances require.
“The men’s team now moves on to Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins in February, and we will implement the necessary changes over the coming months.”
We Are Grateful for the Courtesy and Hospitality – Richard Gould
The ECB CEO thanked Cricket Australia for their hospitality during the tour and praised England supporters for their loyal backing throughout the series. He promised the team would work hard to deliver better performances in the future.
“We are grateful for the courtesy and hospitality shown to us by Cricket Australia throughout the tour. As always, we are indebted to the travelling supporters who followed the team through thick and thin. Their loyalty and support have been humbling, and we are committed to repaying their faith with stronger performances in the future,” he concluded.
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