Australia is facing its biggest talent turnover in 18 years as a host of ageing stars look likely to retire before next Ashes series – here’s why Pat Cummins isn’t worried

Pat Cummins insists Australia are well prepared for their biggest transition period in 18 years, with as few as four players from this Ashes series likely to return for the 2027 Ashes tour.

The Oval Test this week marks the end of an era for several Australian cricket players, with talk of retirement dominating the lead up to the match.

David Warner has already planned his exit for January, while few would expect 36-year-old Usman Khawaja to return to England in four years’ time.

Steve Smith is unlikely to be at Edgbaston in 2027 – the probable opening venue for that Ashes series – given he will have just celebrated his 38th birthday.

Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland and Mitch Marsh are also likely be gone from those who have played on this tour.

Nathan Lyon will be aged 39 but has not ruled out another overseas Ashes series, while Alex Carey (who will be 35) and Cummins (34) would be questionable.

That would leave Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head and Todd Murphy – all of them currently aged in their 20s – as the most likely survivors of those who played this series.

Usman Khawaja, David Warner and Steve Smith (pictured left to right) are highly unlikely to tour England for an Ashes series again

Pace bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are also much closer to the end of their careers than the beginning

Australian skipper Pat Cummins is confident the next generation of Australian talent can step into the breech left by the departing stars

Such a changing of the guard will mark Australia’s most significant between Ashes tours since the period from 2005 to 2009, when only three players maintained their place for the latter trip and the team fell out of form.

Cummins, though, is not convinced the heralded mass changes will eventuate.

‘I certainly don’t want to rush anyone out the door,’ Cummins said.

‘This is about the fourth Ashes series where (England bowler) Jimmy Anderson says it’s going to be his last. You never know. It’s just an age.

‘Some of these guys might be around here in four years, and still at the top level.’

If there are wholesale changes, though, Australia’s recent stability could come back to bite them.

While Australia gave 17 players their debut between the 2005 and 2009 Ashes series – and 26 between 2009 and 2013 – only eight have played their maiden Test over the past four years.

Matt Renshaw would be a front-runner to open in 2027, while Henry Hunt, Tim Ward and highly regarded West Australian allrounder Aaron Hardie have featured on recent Australia A tours.

Jhye Richardson has played all formats for Australia, and Lance Morris, Josh Inglis and Renshaw have spent consistent time in the national squad over the past year.

‘We’re lucky you’ve got white-ball cricket where you can have a ‘soft entry’ for a lot of the guys, give them exposure to international cricket,’ Cummins said.

‘During the IPL this year we had an Aussie A team go over to New Zealand, that was a really young side. Last year we took an Aussie A side over to Sri Lanka.

‘They’re really important tours.’