When their India series comes to a conclusion over the next five days, England's next overseas assignment will be their eagerly-awaited trip to Australia and the emphasis will be back on the pacemen.

Fast, bouncy bowlers like Mark Wood, Jofra Archer and Olly Stone are sure to play a big part in the tourists' plans but the old firm of 38-year-old Anderson and 34-year-old Broad have given every indication that they are ready for another crack.

And after a combined 305 caps and 1,128 wickets heading into Thursday's fourth and final Test, former Test stalwart Collingwood is backing them to make their mark.

"We have a lot of cricket before then, but the way they are bowling at this moment in time, I'd be very surprised if they weren't (at the Ashes)," he said.

"I think we always resort to, 'are they too old?'. To me, when you have two bowlers who tick all the boxes and physically seem to be getting younger, it would be mad to overlook these guys.

"Whenever there are doubts about their age, they seem to put them to bed with their performances on the pitch. As long as they are still performing, they are going to be at the top of the tree when it comes to being selected."

Given the duo's vast reserves of knowledge, Collingwood also expects them to continue setting a template for their teammates and eventual successors.

"Players themselves can be the best coaches because they are the ones out in the middle, in the battle," he said.

"To have that kind of experience and know-how and be passing it on to the next generation is absolutely gold dust for us.

"I'm privileged to take the mitt and watch these guys go about their business every day. Sometimes, you have to pinch yourself how skilful they are."

Australian Associated Press