Michael Clarke has come in for criticism of late, but his standing as Australia's most important player was only enhanced by a solid comeback knock for NSW on Wednesday.
Clarke was grinding his way towards a chanceless ton against Tasmania at Blacktown International Sportspark, before he eventually nicked one behind off Sam Rainbird to depart for 88.
Nonetheless, it was a timely statement three weeks out from the Ashes that off-field dramas haven't hampered his focus.
Clarke's timing wasn't pristine, but it was a workmanlike innings which saw him bring his 50 up off 103 balls and eventually face 190 deliveries during his four hours at the crease.
The valuable time in the middle is a significant boost for Australia ahead of the first Test at Brisbane, with a firing Clarke imperative to hopes of stealing the urn back from England.
After spending six weeks sidelined with a back injury, Clarke was watchful against the defending Shield title-holders Tasmania, scoring eight boundaries.
The Australian skipper has been in the news of late after the release of Ricky Ponting's autobiography, which features a passage critical of Clarke's attitude when vice-captain.
Tension has simmered over the past couple of days, but Ponting revealed on Wednesday that he'd made contact with Clarke and as far as he was concern, there were no dramas between the pair.
Clarke appeared untroubled by the chronic back problem which earlier this year kept him out of the Champions Trophy tournament and most recently sidelined him from Australia's limited overs tour of India.
The 32-year-old was strong square of the wicket for most of his innings but fell to Rainbird, when he nicked one to Tim Paine trying to guide a late cut through gully.
