Australia’s 17-man Ashes squad know better than most that sporting immortality is a cliche.

In the space of two months, they have surrendered the urn while watching careers end.

Ryan Harris was the first to go, retiring on the eve of the five-Test series due to another injury setback.

Michael Clarke was next, the captain’s lack of form leaving him with no option but to retire.

Chris Rogers was always going to retire and confirmed as much this week in London before the fifth Test, starting on Thursday.

Then there’s Shane Watson, dropped after the first Test and unlikely to play another if Mitch Marsh stays fit.

Brad Haddin’s time behind the stumps for Australia is also almost certainly over.

Such a time of transition makes the dead rubber at The Oval all the more important, according to Rogers – for individuals and the team.

“A lot of guys are playing for their spots,” Rogers said.

“It’s going to be a changing team and people want to be a part of it.

“I don’t think there’s going to be anything less than 100 per cent.”

Rogers was unenvious of the challenge facing national selectors, who must come up with a new-look XI for a tour of Bangladesh in October.

“It’s going to be interesting,” he said.

“I think you do need to bring some youth in – it’s how much they bring in.

“It’s a really tough one and hard for the selectors.”

Rogers highlighted the need to send Clarke out a winner as another obvious motivating factor in the series finale.

“The fact it’s Michael’s last Test is going to be pretty special,” he said.

“I’m very happy for him. What a career! I can remember him playing when he was 18, 19 playing for NSW.

“Even then you could sense the presence he had when he was batting.”

The 37-year-old suggested it would be very special to share his final Test with Clarke.

“He’s been amazing to me since I’ve come back into the side and it’ll be a nice moment,” Rogers said.