Australia’s ’’dad’s army’’ under scrutiny

Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have more than 
1,200 Test wickets between them

Australia chief selector George Bailey says the squad for the first Ashes Test against England deserves “respect” following criticism of the age of players.

Only one player under 30 - 26-year-old all-rounder Cameron Green - was named in a 15-man squad on Wednesday for the series opener in Perth starting on 21 November.

Before the squad was announced former captain Steve Waugh said Bailey did not have the “appetite” to make tough calls to regenerate the side.

“We’re aware of the age profile of the team,” said Bailey.

“I’m interested when people have that view as to who they would like us to leave. Is that Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc out? Is that just because of their age?

“You’ve got to give due respect that the guys are performing very well and they have the right to be selected.”

Opener Sam Konstas was the notable absentee, with Marnus Labuschagne recalled and Jake Weatherald called up for the first time. Both batters are 31.

It is the second time in 12 months that 20-year-old Konstas has been dropped.

“I feel for Sammy. At the moment, if he farts it’s a headline,” said Bailey.

“We really like him. We like the skillset there and we’re confident that over the long run it will continue to build out.”

As expected, captain and pace bowler Pat Cummins was left out as he recovers from a back injury.

Head coach Andrew McDonald said in October he is “really optimistic” that Cummins, 32, will be available for the second Test in Brisbane starting on December 4.

Starc, 35, Josh Hazlewood, 34, and Scott Boland, 36, are expected to form the pace attack, while 33-year-old Sean Abbott and 31-year-old Brendan Doggett - both are whom are uncapped - have been included in the squad. Lyon, 37, is the only specialist spinner.

Australia squad for first Test: Steve Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster. (BBC sport)