Swann hits back at 'Dad's army' jibe, says England 'not too old' to win Ashes

England off-spinner Graeme Swann has insisted that his team has a right mix of youth and experience, and it is not too old to defend the Ashes.

According to Sport24, more than half of the touring side to Australia are older than 30, including key players Ian Bell (31), James Anderson (31), Kevin Pietersen (33) and Swann (34).

However, Swann, who has 248 Test wickets from 57 matches, said any 'Dad's Army' jibes were misplaced, according to the report.

Swann also revealed that England's tofu and goji-infused diet, which Australian media mercilessly attacked when the dietary demands became known on Friday, was partly motivated by the ageing squad, the report said.

Australia are no spring chickens themselves and could line up for the first Test next week in Brisbane with five 30-somethings, including Michael Clarke (32), George Bailey (31), Ryan Harris (34), Chris Rogers (36), and Brad Haddin (36), who have all been in good form, the report added.