Chris Rogers personified patience, at the crease and as he waited five and a half years for a Test recall.
Now the retiring Rogers has asked national selectors to show a little endurance during a turbulent time for Australian cricket.
Rogers has confirmed the fifth Ashes Test, which starts on Thursday at The Oval, will be his last.
The opener leaves at the peak of his powers and is set to be Australia's leading run-scorer in the five-Test series.
As the debate rumbles over who should partner David Warner on the coming tour of Bangladesh, Rogers hopes his replacement is given a proper chance to shine.
"They are going to go through tough times because international cricket is very difficult so it's whether the selectors can be patient enough and stick with them," Rogers said.
"It's going to be a challenging time.
"It is about them learning and learning on the job ... then it is about having patience with them.
"It's wrong to discount those (untried older) guys who are getting better."
The 37-year-old's story is enough to give any first-class cricketer hope.
Rogers played one Test in 2008, when Matthew Hayden was injured.
The veteran didn't get another look-in until the 2013 Ashes, when selectors recognised his immense county experience and Sheffield Shield runs.
They overlooked the fact he was 35.
Rogers used the example of 35-year-olds Michael Klinger and Adam Voges as proof of why age was no barrier in the sport.
"I look at Maxy Klinger and I think he is one guy who looks like he is still learning the game and wanting to get better. You can't discard those guys," Rogers said.
"I've got a lot of time for Vogesy, he is a hard worker and he is quite similar to me.
"I know he's at the latter stage of his career but there's still enough time for him to make a difference.
"I hope he does."
Rogers is unsure whether he will continue to play first-class cricket, but is in no doubt about retiring from Tests.
The left-hander missed two Tests on the recent tour of the West Indies due to concussion, while he was struck on the helmet a month ago during a career-best 173 at Lord's.
Both hits convinced him it was time to go.
"Everything comes to an end and I have been pretty lucky," Rogers said.
"There's been a few things, particularly the head issues lately.
"People tell me you know when you know and I felt like this is the right time.
"I've been so privileged to be a part of it ... it's been an honour."
Rogers hoped he challenged and changed a few stereotypical views about age in a late-blooming career.
"Greg Chappell said to me a few months back that he was wrong about me and I was quite proud of that," he said.
"It was a really nice thing to say."
