Michael Clarke was front and centre for the last major overhaul in the Australian side, which makes him better placed than most to speak about the next one.
At the end of the 2007 Ashes series on home soil, the Test team saw three absolute champions – Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer – retire on the same day.
Within the next two years, fellow mainstays Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden also finished their incredible tenures in the baggy green.
It took plenty of time for Australian cricket to bounce back from that mass exodus and it was Clarke who eventually put the team on his shoulders and helped usher in a new era.
Michael Clarke Getty
Fast-forward to the first month of 2025 and the Test team could be facing a similar situation sooner rather than later with a star-studded yet ageing squad.
Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon are all closer to 40 than 30.
Veteran seamers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are both 34 years of age and the latter has struggled with injury in recent years.
From the most recent XI that defeated India to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the only player under the age of 30 was teenage sensation Sam Konstas.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the former skipper explained why the transition period could make or break the next crop of talent.
"I think the timing is important for all these players," he said.
"We lost Warnie, McGrath and Langer on the same day and that was really hard for us to recover from. I think Cricket Australia, the selectors and players are well aware of that.
Australian cricket could be set for another overhaul in the next 12 months. Â Getty
"You listen to the players speak and they know their age, where they sit and if they've got enough cricket left in them. Everyone is aware of the current situation and I don't think anyone would like to see four or five players go at once.
"We all understand the impact that would have on Australian cricket, but I also think the balance is important – the youth with those experienced players.
"There's some youngsters around to learn the ropes. Ideally you can selectively allow them one at a time to go, that would be the dream come true.
"It might not be the case, but I think everyone needs to be aware of the plan."
Khawaja has intimated his desire to play for another 12 months, potentially bowing out after next summer's five-game series against England should he regain some form.
As for the run machine that is Smith, there has been little indication about his own retirement plans and his recent purple patch could extend his stay.
Clarke was quizzed as to whether any of the older crop would be tapped on the shoulder or pushed out of the team, admitting the dream finale isn't common.
Steve Smith. Â Getty
"Very rarely do you get the fairytale," he said.
"I'd imagine there would already be some conversations happening in and around the group, with the right people.
"You can try and allow these players who have given a lot to Australian cricket, to go on their terms as much as they possibly can."Â
Australia will begin their two-Test series against Sri Lanka on January 29.
