Do not doubt that the selectors have a tricky task. They are charged with picking the best team, but with an eye out for renewal, working with only 11 places โ all specialised.
Itโs a tightrope, but it can be walked. England and India both have made over their Test teams recently, losing or moving on greats, giving youth its head. In the northern summer, when they played a thumpingly good series, Indiaโs average age was 28.3, Englandโs 28.5.
In that light, perhaps Englandโs bullish approach this series was a little naive; half their squad had not toured Australia before. Itโs not the sort of cricketing country that can be stormed by baby-faced enthusiasts. Ask Joe Root.
But the narrative arc is bending. In 2023, England had the better of Australia for three Tests, but won only two. Here, they have held promising positions in three Tests, but won one. The received wisdom is that theyโve been uncompetitive, but thatโs simplistic, history written by the cocky winners. In Melbourne, admittedly on a lucky dip of a pitch, England secured their first Test match win here for 15 years.
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Eight of Englandโs team in Melbourne were 30 or younger, and seven will still be minus 30 in 2027. Whatever happens, Australia will still be markedly older. At 28, Englandโs average age now, a cricketer is still growing into their game. At 33, Australiaโs average, they are typically consolidating it at best. Englandโs talent is plain to see, and it has greater upside than Australia between now and 2027.
All that said, it would be foolish to write off this Australian era altogether. Greats in all pursuits defy history; itโs what makes them great. That is how Australia will see it. In fact, by presenting a swing in Ashes fortunes as prophesy here, it is possible that this column is hoping to thwart its fulfilment.
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