Australia head into the Ashes with an ageing "Dad's Army" group of players and concerns about a lack of depth to follow in their footsteps, but chief selector George Bailey is adamant the team's veteran core still has what it takes.

Of the 15 players in Australia's squad for the first Test in Perth this week just one is under 30 -- all-rounder Cameron Green, who is 26.

Usman Khawaja is 38, Nathan Lyon 37, Steve Smith and Scott Boland 36, and Mitchell Starc 35. Josh Hazlewood and Alex Carey are 34 with skipper Pat Cummins a baby at 32.

Even Jake Weatherald, who could make his debut opening alongside Khawaja, is 31 while fringe players Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett have all turned 30.

In contrast, just three of England's squad are over 31 -- Ben Stokes, Mark

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