THE ENGLAND and Wales Cricket Board has initiated an immediate review into the Ashes defeat, with chief executive Richard Gould promising “necessary changes over the coming months.”

Gould, who arrived in Sydney to watch the final stages of England’s 4-1 defeat, issued a strongly worded statement just over two hours after Australia’s victory in the fifth Test.

In it he highlighted dissatisfaction at the level of performance on what had arguably been the most hotly anticipated series in a generation.

He also suggested that the work of the core leadership group — notably managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum — would be placed under the microscope.

England’s approach to warm-up cricket, acclimatisation, training and their much-discussed “stag do” break in Noosa are all likely to be on the agenda.

Gould said: “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.

“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 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.

“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 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.”

Meanwhile, England’s Harry Brook has issued a public apology for his part in a late night altercation on the pre-Ashes tour of New Zealand.

A matter of hours after Australia hit the winning runs in Sydney to seal a crushing 4-1 win, breaking news from the Telegraph plunged an already beaten squad closer to the cliff edge of crisis.

It reported that Brook, Test vice-captain in Australia and the white-ball skipper who will lead his country in next month’s T20 World Cup, had become embroiled in a scuffle with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on October 31.

That was the night before the third ODI against New Zealand, on a tour that had been billed as a central part of England’s Ashes preparation for Brook, several other players and the coaching staff.

“I want to apologise for my actions. I fully accept that my behaviour was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team,” Brook said in a personal statement.

“Representing England is the greatest honour of all, which I take seriously and I am deeply sorry for letting down my team-mates, coaches and supporters. I have reflected on the lessons it has taught me about responsibility, professionalism and the standards expected of those representing your country.

“I am determined to learn from this mistake and to rebuild trust through my future actions, both on and off the field. I apologise unreservedly and will work hard to ensure this does not happen again.”

The ECB followed up with its own acknowledgement, adding: “We are aware of this incident and it has been dealt with through a formal and confidential ECB disciplinary process. The player involved has apologised and acknowledged their conduct fell below expectations on this occasion.”