England spinner Graeme Swann insists the touring side aren’t too old to reclaim the Ashes this summer.
More than half of England’s touring side are older than 30, including key players Ian Bell (31), James Anderson (31), Kevin Pietersen (33) and Swann (34).
But that doesn’t concern Swann.
“It’s not like we’re all pushing the boundaries. If the oldest player is that age, it’s not like you’re all ready for the Home Guard yet,” he said.
Strike bowler Anderson agreed.
“A lot of us are in our 30s – but early 30s, so I think we’re still young enough to be able to put up with the rigours of Test cricket,” he said.
“We’ve got a few guys who are getting towards their mid-30s now – Swanny and (Kevin Pietersen) I guess – but we’re all confident we’re fit enough to cope with five Test matches.
“I think we’ve got an exciting blend of youth and experience at the minute. That’s one of the reasons why I’m confident going into this Ashes series,” Swann added.
Both Pietersen and Matt Prior are nursing injuries but are expected to be right for the first Test.
“Luckily it’s happened to two of the fittest members of the squad,” Anderson said.
“Even though they’re two of the older guys, they’re two of the guys who keep themselves in the best nick – so they’ll bounce back in no time.”
Swann revealed that England’s tofu and goji-infused diet was partly motivated by the ageing squad.
“Some of us have to take it quite seriously because we’re getting on a bit, and if we don’t eat healthily we tend to pile on the pounds,” he said.
“It’s all very good healthy stuff so I’m surprised it’s raised so many snooty questions to be honest because let’s face it healthy eating is the way forward.”
Ryan Harris (34) and Chris Rogers (36) are among Australia’s oldest players but are in the form of their careers, while Brad Haddin (36) showed great form with the gloves in India last month.
Australia could line up with five thirty-somethings in Brisbane with Michael Clarke (32) a certainty and George Bailey (31) mooted to bat at No.6.
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