Sydney, Jan. 8 -- The England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) Chief Executive Officer, Richard Gould, issued a statement on Thursday after the men's team suffered a 4-1 defeat in the recently concluded Ashes series in Australia.

Australia registered a comprehensive win by five wickets in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Mitchell Starc, the highest-wicket taker of the series, was named Player of the Series, whereas opener Travis Head was adjudged Player of the Match for his sublime 163-run knock in the first innings.

Earlier in the series, the hosts clinched victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, before the Three Lions bounced back and registered a memorable win in Melbourne.

"This Ashes ...