Former skipper Ian Chappell believes a spate of Test retirements may benefit the Australian team by forcing underperforming youngsters to finally stand tall in the baggy green.
Australian coach Darren Lehmman on Sunday said it was up to new skipper Steve Smith and deputy David Warner to rebuild the new-look national side ahead of this week's first Test against New Zealand.
However, Chappell claimed the onus should be on the youngsters to finally show they were up to Test standard.
Chappell was frustrated that selectors had been forced to pick veterans such as 36-year-old Adam Voges in the side after youngsters fluffed their opportunities in the past.
He said the spotlight was firmly on the likes of the recalled Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja to stand up and be counted with Smith and Warner, otherwise a long summer may await.
Burns, Khawaja, Voges and allrounder Mitch Marsh got the nod for the first two Tests against New Zealand.
But they will come under immense pressure from the likes of Cameron Bancroft, Shaun Marsh and Michael Klinger if they do not fire a shot in Brisbane or Perth.
"The young blokes haven't been grabbing their opportunities recently and that is why we have had all these 30-year-olds making their debut," Chappell told AAP.
"But because of the retirements now they've got to start choosing some young blokes, it is up to them, they have to make the most of it.
"In some ways it (retirements) may be a good thing - the young blokes are forced to do it.
"Plus for Smith what he will have now is his team, not Michael Clarke's leftovers - that's not a bad thing.
"As long as they make runs.
"If all the runs are going to be left to Smith and Warner then it could be a problem."
Lehmann baulked on Sunday when asked if he was excited about starting a new era after retirements to the likes of skipper Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin and Chris Rogers.
"I am more excited about David Warner and Steve Smith rebuilding the side to be perfectly honest," he said.
"The players will do that. We will guide them along and prepare them the best we can."
New Zealand quick Tim Southee said he was wary that Khawaja and Burns would be out to prove a point in the first two Tests.
"A couple of Queensland boys got the nod for the first Test so they know the Gabba better than anyone else," he said on Sunday.
"They've obviously got a point to prove and a spot to sew up for future tours."
Lehmann admitted his attack of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and veteran Peter Siddle was more settled.
But Lehmann said he wouldn't go with four quicks at the Gabba "unless there is a monsoon".
Australia has not lost a Gabba Test since 1989.
New Zealand have not won a Test series in Australia in 30 years.
The first Test starts on Thursday.
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