Mitchell Johnson is yet to broach the topic of retirement with Darren Lehmann, but Australia's coach feels prepared for whenever that day comes.
The side that defeated New Zealand in Brisbane was Australia's most-inexperienced Test outfit to start a home summer since 1987.
Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Brad Haddin and Ryan Harris all ended their Test careers during the Ashes.
Johnson, now equal fourth on the country's all-time list of Test wicket-takers, almost joined the exodus.
At age 34 the left-armer is expected to reach the end of his career soon.
How soon?
Lehmann has no idea, as was the case when Johnson pondered retirement after the failed tour of England.
"He's a pretty private person," he said.
"He's opening up a bit now - we've got him in the leadership group so he has to speak a bit more.
"But he looks keen as mustard and he really wants to do well. Whatever he decides - he decides."
Johnson has been the side's enforcer for so much of his 72-Test career, especially the second coming that started with a staggering 37 wickets in the 2013-14 Ashes.
He remains the man who Steve Smith will turn to when he needs to make something happen, as was the case with Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke.
No other Australian bowler possesses the same mix of nous and nastiness, although Mitchell Starc is well on his way.
Johnson will be incredibly hard to replace.
"We've got some good depth coming through so I'm not too worried about our fast-bowling department, to be honest," Lehmann said.
The express paceman bowled longer spells earlier this year in England, but it was back to short bursts against the Black Caps in Brisbane.
Johnson stepped up on day three of that contest, inflicting a collapse of 4-16 with the help of Starc.
"He can turn a game very much like he did in that spell with Mitchell Starc," Lehmann said.
Johnson needs one more Test wicket to bring his career tally to 311 and become Australia's third-most productive paceman.
Johnson equalled idol Brett Lee's 310 wickets at the Gabba on Monday when James Neesham was caught at bat-pad off a vicious bouncer.
He has previously spoken of a desire to haul in mentor Dennis Lillee's mark of 355 Test wickets, a bid that should gather pace when the second Test starts on Friday.
Johnson has 42 scalps from six WACA Tests at 20.19, including his career-best haul of 8-61.
TEST WICKETS FOR AUSTRALIA:
* 708 - Shane Warne
* 563 - Glenn McGrath
* 355 - Dennis Lillee
* 310 - Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson
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