The Ashes: Ex- England greats express shock over team`s `spineless` display

London: Former England greats have expressed shock and embarrassment over their team`s `spineless` display in Australia during the Ashes series.

England lost the Ashes urn after 5-0 whitewash that triggered a scathing attack from former players. Having won the home series 3-0 last year, England came to Australia as the overwhelming favourite to retain the Ashes. Former all rounder Ian Botham said he felt depressed and embarrassed over England team`s `spineless` display in Australia. Echoing similar sentiments, former skipper Michael Vaughan said the senior players had let the team down, and added that England performance was pathetic. Vaughan, who in 2005 became the first England captain to win an Ashes series since Mike Gatting in 1986-87, said England have not been able to cope since their arrival in Australia in October for the Ashes. Another former opener Geoff Boycott said that England`s performance was pathetic.