Buchanan said the Steve Waugh sideshow could become a distraction for the world champions if they went into the series wanting to "do it for Stephen".

Waugh's decision to retire after the final Test in Sydney has already sparked a rush on tickets but Buchanan expects the captain to remind his players there is more to the series than his farewell.

"There will be an element of 'let's do it for Stephen' but that can't be the primary motivation," Buchanan was quoted as saying by 'The Daily Telegraph'.

"It's an external motivation and any form of external motivation is short-lived and often a distraction.

"You can't do it for that individual. You have to perform well for the team or for yourself," he said.

"I'm sure Stephen would say the same thing - the next four weeks aren't about him."

Many players in the Australian squad including captain-in-waiting Ricky Ponting has said they will ensure a fitting farewell to Waugh by winning the series for him.

Plenty of players have thrived under Waugh but none more than Matthew Hayden, who has blossomed into cricket's most bankable batsman on the back of his captain's unwavering support.

"I am sad to see a great friend go, a silent partner in my ability and worth to the team. It is a great loss to me," Hayden said. "It is a gap which will be very difficult to fill... his presence and leadership, his inner strength and belief in his own ability."

The champion team would not be able to ignore Waugh's departure because the 38-year-old will receive standing ovations every time he walks out to bat during the series.

The Australian batsmen might want to speak with the country's oldest Test player, Bill Brown, who remembers crowds becoming impatient while they waited for him and batsmen such as Jack Fingleton to fall so Sir Don Bradman could come to the crease.

Waugh is not Bradman but he will command similar attention from crowds this summer wanting to watch him bat one last time.

"It will be different without him and it will be a big loss for Australian cricket at the time," Buchanan said.

"But life goes on and it goes on without Steve Waugh."

Many of the Australian players will see Waugh for the first time today since his retirement announcement when the squad trains at the Gabba.