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 \u2013 all specialised.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s 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, India\u2019s average age was 28.3, England\u2019s 28.5.<\/p>\n
In that light, perhaps England\u2019s bullish approach this series was a little naive; half their squad had not toured Australia before. It\u2019s not the sort of cricketing country that can be stormed by baby-faced enthusiasts. Ask Joe Root.<\/p>\n
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 they\u2019ve been uncompetitive, but that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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Eight of England\u2019s 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, England\u2019s average age now, a cricketer is still growing into their game. At 33, Australia\u2019s average, they are typically consolidating it at best. England\u2019s talent is plain to see, and it has greater upside than Australia between now and 2027.<\/p>\n
All that said, it would be foolish to write off this Australian era altogether. Greats in all pursuits defy history; it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n