Michael Vaughan, Nasser Hussain and Ian Botham slammed Englands decision to drop Chris Woakes after Australia retained the Ashes with victory in the fourth Test at Old Trafford.
Despite admirable resistance from Englands middle and lower order, Australia bowled the hosts out with 13.3 overs to spare in Manchester to go 2-1 up in the five-match series.
England can still level the series by winning the final Test at The Oval but cannot reclaim the urn with Australia the current Ashes holders following their 4-0 win at home two years ago.
Woakes played in the the first three Ashes Tests of this series but was dropped for Craig Overton at Old Trafford and a number of England legends have criticised the decision.
Former captain Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special: England have to look at the preparation, the selection, everything around this team leading into the summer.
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It hasnt been right, its been a bit haphazard. I didnt like that they dropped a senior pro in Chris Woakes here. It was wrong.
I dont think England have got it right, but full credit to Australia.
Nasser Hussain added: I can tell you, Woakes stats in England are a joke. I would love to know why he was dropped.
The drop-off after Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer in this match was huge. Overton bowled okay but it was a mistake to drop Woakes.
He is an exceptional cricketer, a very fine cricketer.
You give leeway to Joe Denly and Jos Buttler and Jason Roy, who havent proved themselves in Test cricket, and then you leave out one who has proved himself. I dont get that.
England legend Botham, meanwhile, says he was amazed Woakes was dropped and suspected the Warwickshire all-rounder must have been injured.
He said: I was amazed. I thought he had to be injured. It was a remarkable decision.
Following Australias Ashes-retaining win, Tim Paine said: I didnt think it would be this emotional.
