McGrath is the most successful seam bowler in Test history

"We've got a few bowlers that have been in and out. It's a huge chance for one or two of them to step up," he said.

"We'll miss the experience but we're looking forward to the next bowler to try and fill those huge shoes."

Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait and Shane Watson were on the sidelines as Australia won the Ashes.

News conference: England captain Andrew Flintoff

Report: McGrath announces retirement

"The headache comes more from a selector's point of view. I'm pretty happy that we've got some good talent there," Cooley told BBC Radio Five Live.

Glenn is an absolute role model for any young bowler that wants to enjoy a successful career Troy Cooley

Johnson, described as a "once in a generation" player by Dennis Lillee eight years ago, has yet to play a Test but has impressed as part of the one-day squad.

Fellow left-armer Bracken struggled during his first spell in the Test side while McGrath was injured three years ago but has returned with better control and variation.

Watson would have played as an all-rounder in this Ashes series but suffered a hamstring injury playing for Queensland before the opening Test.

Tait is still to build on a jolting Test debut during the 2005 Ashes in England, when he was fast but a little too wild.

McGrath is the most successful seam bowler in Test history, with 555 wickets from 122 Tests, and he also has 342 scalps from 230 one-day internationals.

Cooley believes he has provided a wonderful template for aspiring fast bowlers to follow.

"With his strength of character, the way he goes about his work, the way he prepares himself, he's an absolute role model for any young bowler that wants to get into the game and enjoy a successful career," he said.

As much as it's a sad time, it's an exciting time too because a lot of younger players will get their opportunities Ricky Ponting

Aussie opener Matthew Hayden said both McGrath and Shane Warne, who announced his retirement earlier this week, would be sorely missed.

"Both have had amazing tenacity and longevity; they're both courageous and incredibly positive in the face of adversity," he said.

"The secret to Glenn's performance is just in his consistency. He is totally ruthless in his delivery of line and length. It's so difficult to get on top of him.

"His under-rated skill was his ability to adjust no matter where a batsman stood, to place the ball exactly where he wanted it."

Captain Ricky Ponting said the two announcements marked the end of an era in Australian cricket.

"We're going to be losing two of the all-time greats in a pretty short period of time," he said.

"We've now got to push on in the next few weeks. We've known for a long time that these two weren't going to go on forever.