Ponting backs Oz to snatch back Ashes urn from 'past prime' England squad

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has said he believes that the current England team might be past their absolute peak, adding that Australia can belie their status as Ashes outsiders by regaining the urn in the winter 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, Ponting is not discounting the prospect of the hosts inflicting a remarkable whitewash against an England team he believes is past its prime, adding that if they win the first Ashes Test at the Gabba, then it is possible that Michael Clarke's side could emulate the feats of his side in 2006-07.

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.

Ponting further said he believes that England might be getting to the stage where a number of their players have been playing around for a long time, adding that the side is probably just tapering off a fraction as compared to a mostly young Australian side.