The Cricket Australia XI were in danger of becoming a laughing stock.
Instead, they have proven themselves as a valuable member of the domestic one-day cup competition thanks to a thrilling three-run victory over Tasmania in Sydney on Saturday.
The CA XI set up the win by scoring 7-241 before bowling with maturity to limit the Tasmanians to 9-238 at Bankstown Oval.
Matt Dixon (3-40) and Jake Wildermuth (3-46) held their nerve in the final overs as Tasmania fell short when needing 16 from the final over.
"We all expected what was going to be made of it (the losses)," Wildermuth said.
"Not many people backed us, but we're really happy with today's performance and looking forward to the next one.
"It was obviously pretty disappointing for us after the two losses. We knew we just had to come out, play to our strengths and that came off for us today.
"It obviously is tough reflecting the night after a loss. We're all young and this is all just a great experience for us. We had nothing to lose really."
The CA XI, comprised of young players from around the country who missed state selection, opened their maiden one-day cup campaign in lamentable fashion.
NSW marched to an unprecedented 279-run winning margin on Monday and Victoria needed a second-innings competition low 11.1 overs to claim victory on Wednesday.
Their third match, however, proved a very different affair.
Opener Marcus Harris (84) and captain Will Bosisto (64) combined for a second-wicket partnership of 95 - higher than the CA XI team total in either of their matches to date in the competition.
Aside from a third-wicket stand of 83 between Tim Paine (56) and George Bailey (51), the Tasmanians struggled to build partnerships against some disciplined bowling and enthusiastic fielding.
"The Cricket Australia boys outplayed us in every facet so we have to cop it," said Tasmania wicketkeeper Tim Paine.
"They gave themselves every chance, and deserved to win."
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