Ponting backs Oz to inflict 'whitewash' on 'past prime' England in winter Ashes

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has backed his former side to inflict a whitewash against an England team, which he believes is aging and is past their prime, during the winter Ashes series.

The Australians have not lost a Test in Brisbane, which is the scene of the first return Ashes Test this year, since 1988 when they were no match for a Vivian Richards-led West Indies side at the peak of its powers.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, although Ponting refused to predict a 5-0 scoreline, however, he believes that if Australia can win the first Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, then it is possible that Michael Clarke's side could emulate the feats of his side in 2006-07 and snatch back the urn from England.

Stating that the Australian team has a chance of improving given the England side being almost past their dominance, Ponting said that the age profile of England's team, whose six players are above the age of 30, can be one of the reasons behind Australia's success, along with its their stockpile of fast bowlers.

The report mentioned that of England's likely XI for the first Test in three weeks' time, Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Matt Prior, James Anderson and Graeme Swann are above 30, adding that the list could go up to seven if Chris Tremlett plays.