Ageing Aussies boost England - Gough

Darren Gough, who faces constant questions about his longevity, believes Australia's ageing players could become a weakness for the world champions. As the Ashes tour approaches, Gough, 34, said the advancing years of England's opponents were a bonus.

"Some of their players are getting on age-wise, many of them are a similar age to me," Gough said. "I played against quite a few for England under-19s so they've been around for a long while. That should be seen as a positive for England."

Gough, a one-day only bowler who hopes to reach the 2007 World Cup, said it was important not to underestimate Australia because they were a great side capable of destroying anyone. "They've just beaten New Zealand in a one-day series 5-0, we lost to New Zealand in England and they've also just beaten an experienced New Zealand 2-0 in a Test series - they can't be under-estimated."

A regular bowling headache for Australia over the past decade, Gough said the lower-order batting would also be targeted. "They have a long tail now with Shane Warne coming into bat at No. 8 - and, with no disrespect to Warney, he can bat but he's not probably a Test match No. 8, more like a No. 9," he said."

Gough said all of England's players needed to be in form by the start of the Test series in July. "We all believe we have got a chance but we all have to be at the very top of our games," he said. "At the minute, we're not." Australia's first match against England in the NatWest Series is on June 19 at Bristol and the opening Test starts at Lord's on July 21.