Australian veterans Shane Watson and Brad Haddin in firing line after humbling by England in Ashes

The futures of team elders Shane Watson and Brad Haddin were under scrutiny as critics on Sunday homed in on Australia’s first Ashes test thumping by England at Cardiff.

Chasing a record-breaking 412 runs for victory, Ashes holders Australia were dismissed for 242 after tea on Saturday’s fourth day to lose comprehensively by 169 runs in the first of five tests.

The last time Australia won an Ashes series after losing the first test was on their 1997 tour of England.

Australia’s media called for team changes as Michael Clarke’s men face a quick turnaround with the second test starting at Lord’s on Thursday.

“There will have to be changes for the second test with Mitchell Starc injured, Shane Watson out of chances to prove himself and plenty of teammates out of sorts,” The Australian’s Peter Lalor said.

The Sunday Telegraph’s Ben Horne said: “Batting woes and question marks over the credentials of some of Australia’s ageing stars have only been compounded by a potential fast-bowling conundrum brought on by concerns over the seriousness of Mitchell Starc’s ankle injury.”

The Sunday Age’s Greg Baum said he believed age was catching up with the “greybeard” team.

“Older players and their foibles and frailties didn’t lose Australia this match, but they did stand in marked contrast to the youth, verve and intent of England,” he said.