Why Australia need to start regenerating ageing Test team now before it’s too late

Despite being champions, Ashes holders and a decent chance of winning the series heading into the final day of the fifth Test, Australia’s Test cricketing stocks are looking a little fragile. 

More than half their team is in the final stage of their career and the back-up options are either inexperienced in the international arena or have question marks over whether they can succeed at Test level. 

By the time the next Ashes series rolls around at the end of 2025, as many as six of Australia’s first-choice XI could be retired. 

Australia have historically handled the transition period after legends have retired pretty poorly, particularly in the mid 1980s when Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh quit simultaneously and 15 years ago after Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer did likewise. 

The current selectors need to be mindful of phasing out the big names to usher in new faces gradually rather than an abrupt period where untried players are thrown to the lions en masse.