Ponting laughs off 'old men' slur

Ponting believes Warne is as good as he has ever been

Australia captain Ricky Ponting has shrugged off claims that his bowling attack is too old to win the Ashes.

England fast bowler Matthew Hoggard said that the Australian bowlers "were getting on" and questioned whether they could bowl England out twice in Tests.

But Ponting said he had total faith in Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, both 35.

"If McGrath and Warne and those guys weren't doing the job, there would be someone in their place. They are doing the job as well now as ever," he said.

"I don't think there is any doubt that a lot of our players are getting towards the end of their careers but, let's not forget, if they weren't playing great cricket they wouldn't be here in the first place.

"Warney had his most successful year ever in 2004 as far as wickets was concerned and McGrath has come back after his ankle injury and been absolutely first class as well.

Shane (Warne) has been outstanding since he's been around the group for the last week Ricky Ponting Mentor backs Warne to Shine

"I also think five matches in seven weeks will not be a problem for them as well," Ponting added.

"This group of bowlers we've got are as fit and durable as we've seen.

"We've been lucky for the last few years with injuries to the fast bowling brigade. I think Jason Gillespie has played the most Tests of any fast bowler in the world in succession.

"And, because a lot of the players know that this is their last Ashes trip to England, it is probably going to make it an even more special one for them and make them even keener to perform as well as they can."

Ponting said that Warne had showed a very positive attitude since joining up with the squad after the news that he had separated from his wife following allegations about his private life.

"Has Warne put his problems behind him? Most definitely. Shane has been outstanding since he's been around the group for the last week.

"He is extremely focused and ready for this series, probably more so than I've seen him for a long time, which is a great sign for us."