Andrew Flintoff and his side were outplayed by Australia

The former PGA European Tour executive director and five ex-players and coaches will report back to the England and Wales Cricket Board in March.

"I've been appointed as an independent voice and I'll do the job without fear or favour," the 60-year-old said.

England lost every Test in the recent series against Australia, only the second 5-0 whitewash in Ashes history.

It came only 16 months after they won the Ashes back for the first time since 1989 with a 2-1 win on home soil which sparked a national celebration.

What he managed to accomplish with the Ryder Cup team can be translated into a lot of lessons we can learn from ECB chief executive David Collier on Schofield

The tourists came under fire this time for their preparation, the large numbers of non-cricket-playing staff among the tour party, and the presence of players' wives and girlfriends.

ECB chief executive David Collier insists coach Duncan Fletcher's job is not on the line and has defended the appointment of Schofield.

"Ken brings a great deal of independence to the grouping. He also brings the supporters' view and a passion for the game of cricket," he told BBC Radio Four's Today programme.

"I think his experience, what he managed to accomplish with the Ryder Cup team, can be translated into a lot of lessons that I'm sure we can learn from.

606: DEBATE Should Schofield also look at football and rugby as there seems to be problems in these sports too with selection, captaincy, preparation and certainly in the football World Cup the WAGS distraction MM 606: Have your say

"The brief is to regain the Ashes in 2009 and win one of the ICC global competitions during 2007-11.

"We're looking at the whole of the jigsaw, the next four-year cycle, and we have to have people who'll lead us through that.

"This is not looking at any particular person, it's looking at how we can improve the whole of English cricket, Team England's performance, to make sure we are in the best possible position to win the Ashes in England in 2009."

Former England paceman Angus Fraser has confirmed he is on the panel assisting Schofield, but Collier refused to reveal any names.

"We're in final discussions with a number of people. We'll announce the panel within the next 24-48 hours and it will include some very senior and very well respected names throughout English cricket.