SYDNEY, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ashes hero Mitchell Starc insists age is justa number after Australia's 4-1 thumping of England, but the future of the"Dad's Army" is uncertain with a core of players in their mid-30s. Man-of-the-series Starc, 35, was exceptional in leading the home attack inall five Tests, bowling 153 overs and bagging 31 wickets -- more than anyoneelse. Starc said after their five-wicket win in the final Test in Sydney onThursday that "there's so much made about (the team's) age profile". -Playing India away and winning a first Test series in England since 2001 is abucket-list item for players such as Starc and Smith. Looking to the future, the likes of Campbell Kellaway, Matt Renshaw andNathan McSweeney are other top-order options.
