Sydney, Jan. 8 -- Following England men's failure to reclaim the Ashes after a 4-1 defeat to Australia in the 2025-26 series, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould admitted the side lacked consistency across conditions, conceding that Australia ultimately deserved to retain the Ashes.
Gould said that the side showed moments of strong performance and resilience, including a hard-fought win in the fourth Test in Melbourne, but lacked consistency across conditions, conceding that Australia ultimately deserved to retain the Ashes.
In a statement, Gould said the series had begun with "significant hope and anticipation" but conceded that England were unable to meet their ambition of winning the Ashes on Aus...