As another generation of Test cricketers edge towards the end of their careers, former captain Michael Clarke has warned a flurry of retirements could force Australia into a painful rebuild.
With Australia about to embark on their tour of Sri Lanka, Clarke is urging veteran players to stagger their retirements to ensure the progression of younger talent.
The newly inducted cricket Hall of Famer recalled the difficulty in filling the void left by Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer, who all called time on their careers on the same day in 2007.
Clarke had also been handed the job of guiding a new era of Australian cricket in 2011 after succeeding Ricky Ponting as captain.
"That was really hard for us to recover from - three greats, no doubt about it," Clarke said on Thursday.
"Everyone's aware of the current situation and I don't think anybody would like to see four or five players go at once.
"We all understand the impact that would have on Australian cricket.
"When these players go, if ideally, you can selectively allow them one at a time to go, I think that would be the dream come true.
"You can allow these players that have given a lot to Australian cricket to go on their terms as much as they possibly can."
Fresh off a 3-1 series win over India, Australia have taken a younger squad to Sri Lanka.
It is a stark turnaround from the start of the Border-Gavaskar series in December, when just one Australian player under the age of 30 featured in the squad.
Batting allrounder Cooper Connolly, 21, joins Sam Konstas in the squad as one of the nation's brightest young talents.
Nathan McSweeney, 25, also returns to the squad after being dropped for Konstas for the Boxing Day Test.
"There's some youngsters around to learn the ropes, to sit and watch, see Sri Lankan conditions, very different to anywhere else in the world," Clarke said.
"We've got senior players in both as well to now help guide these youngsters through.
"You learn so many things by having good senior players around you, good role models to help you along that journey."
