The smooth changing of the guard in Australian cricket is set to be reflected on Wednesday when selectors name their squad for the Test tour of New Zealand that could propel Australia back to the top of the world game. 
Deliberations by Rod Marsh's panel for the touring party will not have been anywhere near as painstaking as those leading into the summer.
Selectors are expected to pick a 14-man squad, with most interest surrounding who will provide support for the pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson and Peter Siddle.
Jackson Bird is believed to be the frontrunner for the fifth and final paceman's slot. Bird, the second leading wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield with 22 at an average of 24, is ideally suited to New Zealand conditions.
Victorian Scott Boland, after missing out in Melbourne and Sydney, is in the box seat to win selection for what would be his first Test tour.
Australia's top six pick themselves, as does wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, while Shaun Marsh will travel as the reserve batsman, but they are likely to find New Zealand wickets far-less hospitable than the flat tracks of home.
Adam Voges, Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja could not have done much more this summer but more will be known about their Test credentials after searching examination in the swing and seam-friendly New Zealand conditions. Voges and Burns were both found wanting in Adelaide against the swinging pink ball, while the red-hot Khawaja was unavailable through injury.
South Africa's alarming decline has paved the way for Australia to regain the No. 1 Test ranking if they can win the series, but they will have to improve their moderate record abroad - which is a goal of Steve Smith since he assumed the captaincy.
Possible squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Nevill, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Scott Boland, Jackson Bird