Ian Botham wants England to be smoking self-belief in the lead-up to the first Test © Getty Images Enlarge

Ian Botham has joined his old friend Dennis Lillee in questioning the durability of Australia's ageing side during the Ashes. Botham, 50, said in the News of the World the Australians were "creaking" in 2005 when they lost the urn.

"If they go into a Test with Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Stuart MacGill and Damien Martyn, the Aussies will have seven players aged 35 and over," Botham said. "I can't imagine there has ever been a team that old in international cricket.

"True, age doesn't necessarily mean you're no good. Warney took 40 wickets last time and still finished on the losing side. There are some great cricketers in that list, but when Father Time starts to call, it can all fall apart very quickly." Lillee has also had concerns over the performances of Australia's "Dad's Army" squad over the five-Test series starting on November 23.

Botham also told the paper he wanted England to show more belief in themselves in the lead-up to the series. "This bunch, led then by Michael Vaughan and now by Freddie Flintoff, are not scarred by Ashes failure," Botham said. "That's why I want to hear the England camp talking more positively.

"I want to hear them saying how good they are and how p*** poor the Dad's Army of Aussies are. That's the attitude they must have. If they allow the Aussies any psychological advantage, they might as well come home ... Lads, the Aussies are more than a year older than the team you beat last time. Start believing in yourselves."