India, March 24 -- Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott launched a scathing attack on the England and Wales Cricket Board after it retained its leadership despite the "embarrassing and at times a farce" 1-4 Ashes defeat in Australia.

ECB chief executive Richard Gould conducted what he termed a "thorough review" of the tour, which ended in January, and said he had given "a lot of consideration" to "the right mix of leadership." However, he confirmed that Rob Key, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes would continue as managing director, head coach and Test captain respectively.

Boycott was left stunned by the decision.

"What planet is he on? Is he oblivious to what the majority of former England players and cricket journalists are saying...