Australia’s 'Dad's Army' prove critics wrong with 4-1 Ashes rout

Mitchell Starc, 35, was named Player of the Series after leading Australia's attack in all five Tests, bowling 153 overs and taking 31 wickets as the hosts sealed the contest with a five-wicket win in the final Test in Sydney.

Starc was backed by fellow seamer Scott Boland, 36, while Steve Smith, 35, scored a century and captained the side in the absence of Pat Cummins. Michael Neser, 35, also played a key role, as did Travis Head, 32, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey, 34.

The performances came despite major injury setbacks. Josh Hazlewood missed the entire series, Cummins played only one Test because of a back injury, and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon was dropped for the second Test before suffering a hamstring injury.

"There's so much made about the age profile," Starc said after the final Test. "If you're still good enough, it shouldn't matter how old you are."

Starc finished the series with 433 Test wickets, moving to within one of Kapil Dev on the all-time list, while also contributing two half-centuries.

Despite the emphatic result, Australia face decisions over the future of their ageing core. Opener Usman Khawaja retired during the series at 39, and fitness remains a concern for several senior players ahead of a demanding schedule that includes tours of India and England.

Head, Carey and Marnus Labuschagne are expected to remain central figures, while selectors weigh options such as Matt Renshaw, Nathan McSweeney and Todd Murphy as they plan for the next phase of the Test team.

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