The Oval Test is the end of the road for Michael Clarke. End of a disastrous Ashes campaign that suggests Australian cricket had become a little complacent - again - and the end of a micro era.
In London this week the departing captain has his game face on and is in no mood for reflection, nostalgia or parting platitudes.
When it is suggested that with him, Brad Haddin, Chris Rogers and Ryan Harris all officially gone from the game, new captain Steve Smith faces some challenges, he acknowledges the gravity of the situation. 
"Yeah, I think the last time we've seen so many senior players leave was 2007 when we lost a lot of the greats of the game," Clarke said. "So yeah, it is going to be a big change, but I think that's exciting for Australian cricket. I think, I've always said, there's a lot of talent whether it be in this group or back playing first-class cricket and now we've just got to turn that talent into consistent performance.
"So, you know, guys have been waiting for their opportunity and now they are going to get it." Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne walked from the field on day four of the Sydney Test in 2007, brothers in arms. They had just beaten England 5-0 and left elated but emotional. Justin Langer also went, but did it without the theatre. Adam Gilchrist was gone six Tests later. Matthew Hayden lasted another year after that.
It was the start of a tough period that saw the Ashes lost at home and away. The transition word was used a lot and it will be used a lot again. Shane Watson has not shown his hand but may have had it dealt for him and may have played his last match also.
There is a hint of a new era emerging amid The Oval eulogies with Pat Cummins expected to play in place of Josh Hazlewood.
The Clarke era is over. It knew success with an Ashes whitewash, a World Cup and a win in South Africa, but it never found the formula for crowning glory on the British Isles.
Australian cricket finds itself facing such a difficult future that when talk comes to retaining experience it involves a man who has played just six Tests - Adam Voges. The 35-year-old has been disappointing on this tour but the argument is sound enough. He has been around even though he has not been around the Test team. The Voges situation suggests just how hard it is going to be for Smith and new vice-captain David Warner. Clarke is positive about their prospects.
"Davey has played enough cricket, Smithy has played enough cricket, they've got a good relationship together. Yeah, they'll be fine, they'll do a great job I think," he said. "Obviously they'll need some other senior players around them, and I think that's probably the one thing that I've learned through my career that you don't need to have a 'C' or a 'VC' beside your name to be a leader within the group, so a lot of guys are going to have to take responsibility.
"I've spoken to them both and congratulated them both and I'm really happy for them. You know, it is a wonderful thing to be lucky enough to be vice-captain or captain of Australia, so I'm sure they will grab the opportunity with both hands.
"I think probably the toughest challenge as a player at the highest level of international cricket is actually having success all around the world. So, I think it is exciting." Noting the despair in the opposition camp, England captain Alastair Cook was moved to offer some words of reassurance: "It does make me laugh that the Ashes, win or lose, is the barometer of how healthy or unhealthy your whole system is."MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT P35