The Ben Stokes-led England side arrived Down Under with a lot of expectations, but ended up conceding the Ashes urn in just 11 days -- the joint-second quickest in more than a century.

The Three Lions suffered back-to-back eight-wicket losses in Perth and Brisbane, before facing an 82-run defeat at the Adelaide Oval.

While the visitors salvaged some pride with a gutsy four-wicket victory at MCG, Australia bounced back to win the Ashes finale in Sydney by five wickets and clinch the series 4-1.

Following the debacle, Stokes avoided addressing suggestions that England may consider a change in Test leadership. Instead, the all-rounder spoke in measured tones about performance gaps and the need for reflection.

“It was a great game to get involved in, Test matches which go to the fifth day always add up drama. I think we should have got a 100 more, we also allowed Australia to score 100 more in the first innings. So, if we had got around 200 on the board on this kind of fifth day pitch, it would have been box seat stuff. Australia is a great team, they play incredible cricket, they have some outstanding bowlers so we have to give them a lot of credit,” Stokes said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

England’s next Test assignment is scheduled against New Zealand at home in June, leaving the side with an extensive window to reassess. Stokes indicated that the break would be used to address recurring issues, hinting at continuity rather than overhaul within the leadership group.

“We could have played much better than what we did. We have a long time before we play our next series so we have a lot of time to reflect back so hopefully we can put the wrongs to right,” he added.

Sharing an update on his leg injury, the England captain said, “It has been better, it has been worse. Will wait till I get home.”

Stokes was effusive in praise of Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue, who announced their arrivals in this Ashes series.

“Incredible, for Beth to get his opportunity at the end of the series, to come out in the fifth game of the series and the way he batted was just superb. Josh (Tongue) also went from strength-to-strength and bowled really well so we have great talents coming through,” Stokes remarked.

In the end, Ben Stokes expressed his gratitude to England’s passionate fans for their constant support.

“We are lucky to have the Barmy Army with us, they will be disappointed as we are. Their support definitely means a lot to us,” he concluded.