Brad Haddin's international career is likely to be over, with confirmation Peter Nevill will stay behind the stumps for the third Ashes Test.
Haddin missed the second Test due to family reasons and is now available, but selectors have opted to stick with Nevill after his impressive debut.
It means Haddin, who turns 38 in October, is unlikely to feature in the five-Test series unless Nevill suffers an injury.
There is no word on Haddin's potential retirement plans, but the keeper waited two months after the World Cup to announce his one-day career was over.
He is expected to transition into coaching some time soon and it could potentially be as early as this summer.
Haddin has been Nevill's mentor since the 29-year-old shifted from Melbourne to Sydney in 2008.
It's a relationship that has stayed intact according to Michael Clarke, despite the awkward passing of the baton that the skipper confirmed on the eve of the Edgbaston clash.
"He still wants to play, that's for sure, and he has a great relationship with Nev," Clarke said.
"I think he sees his role over the last couple of days, leading up to this Test, to help Nev as much as possible.
"They are really good friends, so there's certainly no lack of respect there.
"Hadds will certainly wish Nev all the best and hope he does well, and if there's an injury or there's another opportunity then I know he'll be ready.
"I love the fact that he's still here working hard."
The five-Test series is currently level at 1-1, with the third clash to start on Wednesday at 8pm AEST.
Clarke confirmed Haddin was set to play at Lord's prior to making himself unavailable.
It would be among the more anticlimactic ends to any sportsperson's career, let alone someone who has played 66 Tests.
"It's a tough one when you sit in the middle, but that's the way the selectors have gone and I respect their decision," Clarke said.
"Nev made the most of his opportunity in the second Test.
"I've really loved having him (Haddin) as vice-captain and he's performed exceptionally well."
Ian Healy, who kept for Australia in 99 Tests, termed Haddin's shunning a "harsh call".
"I'd like him to have a chance to redeem his Cardiff performance," Healy told Fox Sports.
"Then maybe at the end of the series or when he doesn't redeem himself - then we can move to Nevill," Healy said.
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