Ponting backed by Aussie players

Border has defended Ponting after Test legend Dennis Lillee called for him to be replaced by Shane Warne following England's Ashes victory this summer.

"The speculation over Ricky's future as captain is ridiculous. He has gone from being the hero to the villain over the course of the series," said Border.

"When your bowling is not firing, any captain is going to struggle."

Coach John Buchanan and other members of the playing squad are also under pressure after Australia lost hold of the Ashes for the first time since 1987.

But Border, who led the Australian side that won back the Ashes from England in 1989, believes there must not be a rush to revamp the squad.

"Certainly half a dozen of the team will be looking anxiously over their shoulder and their performances will be under close scrutiny in the coming months," Border added.

They are young and have the talent to make the next few years a golden era for English cricket Allan Border

"The post-mortems have already begun with many people calling for a clearout of the older generation. In my opinion, this would be a mistake."

Border still maintains Australia are still the team to beat although he admits they now face serious competition from an England side that won the series 2-1 in impressive fashion.

"I still believe that Australia are the cricketing heavyweights," he added.

"Although England have delivered a knock-out blow, the bruised and bloodied Australians will be back in 18 months time.

"If England beat India after Christmas and then come and beat us on home turf, then they truly can call themselves the champions of the world.

"England had a great series. The openers scored runs, the middle order all contributed, the tail wagged with some vital runs and the bowling attack was nothing short of ferocious.

"The future is bright for this team; they are young and have the talent to make the next few years a golden era for English cricket."