A 'team in transition' has been the unofficial tagline of Australia's summer of cricket.
Michael Clarke, Chris Rogers, Brad Haddin, Shane Watson and Ryan Harris all retired from Test cricket this year, prompting many to ponder what impact the generational change will have on the team.
Many have speculated that Steve Smith's men could be vulnerable in the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand, which starts in Brisbane on Thursday.
Towering paceman Josh Hazlewood, who played four Ashes Tests this year, certainly expects Brendon McCullum's men will be viewing Australia as ripe to be taken down.
"They'll be quietly confident with our inexperience I guess and the uncertainty in the top order," Hazlewood told reporters on Monday.
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"They'll see that as a positive for them and try to exploit that."
Hazlewood cheekily added that his side would be reminding the visitors of the World Cup final, when Australia cruised to a seven-wicket win at the MCG.
"That's a while ago and obviously a different format as well," Hazlewood said.
"But we can still create some demons for them from those memories."
Joe Burns, recalled to open in the absence of Rogers, felt the issue of inexperience had been overplayed.
Burns, who played two Tests last home summer against India, suggested the 12-man squad is well drilled on what's required at Test level and very much a cohesive unit.
"There's plenty of changes but we're a group that has played a lot of cricket together as well," Burns said.
"We've played in different forms of the game together and we've all played Test cricket before.
"I don't really feel like there's (going to be) a gelling period.
"I feel like it's just a slightly different side, but a side that knows how we're going to go about it."
The 26-year-old added he would be "all ears this week", starting with Monday's training session.
Meanwhile, Burns downplayed the idea he will be feeling added pressure on Thursday, when the first Test starts at his home ground of the Gabba.
"Playing for Australia is the best time of your life. You have to try to enjoy it and you play better cricket when you enjoy it," he said.
"It's just exciting."
