On Thursday, Josh Inglis's red-letter century gave Australia a glimpse into their cricketing future and what life will look like in a time after Steve Smith.
In their first Test without David Warner, Usman Khawaja or Smith since 2011, Inglis used it to rubber-stamp his spot in the side's looming transition.
After doing the hard work the previous day, his second Test century on Thursday was easily his most important knock after he also reached three figures on debut last year.
Back then, he arrived with Australia 3-401 in Galle and already pummelling Sri Lanka.
This time, the series was on the line when Inglis walked to the wicket, with Australia soon to be 4-185 in reply to South Africa's 329.
By the time he was out for 102, he and Alex Carey (80) had put on 185 for the fifth wicket and Australia were well on their way to a 100-run first-innings lead.
And at stumps on day three, he remained the only centurion of the match with South Africa 4-140 and only leading by 40.
Inglis's century came after a wild month for the 31-year-old, who flew home from the preceding ODI series with a fractured finger.
That effectively cost him a Test recall when Cameron Green was later hurt, with even this chance only coming when Smith failed to overcome a neck injury on day one.
But after playing just five Tests since his debut early last year and batting as low as No.7 in the Ashes, Inglis took a chance to nail his spot at Newlands.
"I wasn't really thinking of that," Inglis said.
"I think when I got out there, I realised it was a bloody good wicket, so it's important we get some sort of lead here."
The West Australian went through the gears impressively, fighting through an important period after the tea break early in his innings.
As the evening went on, he became more confident, cutting well and even pulling Kagiso Rabada for a six.
He swept and cut well, played spin nicely and brought up his hundred reverse-sweeping Simon Harper before lifting both arms aloft.
Inglis was caught behind shortly after, but by then he had locked down a spot in Australia's side for the start of the home summer.
In doing so, Inglis also became the first Australian man to score multiple centuries in all three international formats.
How much longer he is a permanent fixture of white-ball sides could well be up for debate, with Test cricket now every chance of becoming a priority.
"It's tough being away for all three formats," Inglis said.
"Those conversations are always had between three-format players and the selection committee.
"Those conversations will probably be had over the next couple of weeks."
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