Ben Stokes, England cricket captain, has described the past three months as "the hardest period" of his tenure. He posted an open letter to fans on social media after it was announced that he, head coach Brendon McCullum and England team managing director Rob Key would remain in their positions despite a 4-1 Ashes defeat. Despite this, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) resisted changing personnel following a review of the tour. Stokes praised the current leadership group for their passion and desire to take the team forward. He also acknowledged that he had learned a lot about himself during this period and expressed his desire to continue his role as captain.