Veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood has dismissed concerns over Australia’s aging bowling attack ahead of the upcoming Ashes series and insists experience, not age, will be the deciding factor when the competition kicks off later this month.
When Australia’s Ashes squad was revealed this week, the English media were quick to dub it “Dad’s Army” – a nod to the fact that only one of the 15 players, all-rounder Cameron Green, is under 30. But Hazlewood, 34, believes that narrative is misplaced and that the core of Australia’s peak physical and mental fitness remains.
“I feel in the best shape I’ve been in a long time,” Hazlewood told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. “I think the experience, not just from red-ball cricket but across all formats, adds up. We’ve been in so many situations over the years that we’ve learned a lot as individuals and as a group. We just bounce off each other and know each other’s games so well, which really helps.”
Australia are likely to start the series with a pace attack with Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland all three playing in the home matches before heading to Perth for the first Test. Starc, 35, remains the key strike weapon while Boland, 36, continues to provide accuracy and control in Australian conditions. Captain Pat Cummins, the youngest of the fast bowling core at 32, will miss the opening Test but is expected to return later in the series.
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who turns 38 during the Ashes, will once again be central to Australia’s plans. The veteran is on the verge of surpassing Glenn McGrath to become the second highest wicket-taker in Test history, behind Shane Warne.
Echoing Hazlewood’s sentiments, Lyon said modern professionalism has extended careers and kept the group competitive. “The game has completely changed,” Lyon noted earlier this week. “It’s much more professional now with all the science and recovery methods. I feel age is just a number. I still believe my best cricket is ahead of me.”
Hazlewood acknowledged that the current core that has formed the backbone of Australia’s attack since the 2017-18 Ashes will eventually have to pass the baton, but he sees no reason yet to make that transition.
“There will undoubtedly come a time when we move on, but I don’t think it’s yet,” he said.
The first Ashes Test begins in Perth on November 21, with Australia looking to extend their dominance of the storied rivalry and retain the urn they have held since 2017.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
November 8, 2025
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