NEW DELHI: England’s players and management are set to undergo a detailed performance review after the 4-1 Ashes series loss in Australia, with England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould promising to “implement the necessary changes over coming months.”

Gould released a statement following England’s five-wicket defeat in the fifth Test on Thursday, expressing frustration with a campaign that began with optimism as the side travelled to Australia hoping to end a long-standing winless run Down Under.

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The review will examine the planning, tactics and preparation overseen by head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key. It will also assess “individual performances and behaviors,” along with the team’s ability to adjust and respond to challenging conditions.

“This Ashes tour began with significant hope and anticipation, and it is therefore deeply disappointing that we have been unable to fulfill our ambition of winning the Ashes in Australia," Gould said.

“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.”

Gould added that the board was “determined to improve quickly” with the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka looming next month.

“We will implement the necessary changes over the coming months,” he said.

McCullum backs core philosophy despite scrutiny

McCullum, the driving force behind England’s aggressive, high-risk approach introduced at the start of the tour, said he was open to fine-tuning but ruled out sweeping changes.

“You've got to have conviction in your methods,” he told the BBC. "You're not against evolution and progress, but you've got to have conviction in what you believe in.

“It's about nipping and tucking to try and get a better version of your style and your beliefs.”

McCullum said he would “see what happens” once the review is complete but stressed his confidence in the team’s direction.

“but I firmly believe in how we go about trying to build this team and progress on what we've done.”

Australia sealed the Ashes with victories in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide before England snapped their long drought with a win in the fourth Test in Melbourne, leaving the hosts 3-1 ahead going into the final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australia have now won four successive home Ashes series since England’s last triumph there in 2010-11.

England’s campaign was hampered by injuries to key fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, while skipper Ben Stokes carried a heavy workload that prevented him from bowling on the final day of the series. The team also struggled with a flawed batting approach in pressure moments.

Fielding proved another major concern throughout the tour, with England guilty of dropping too many crucial chances.

(With PTI Inputs)