He missed out on vital batting practice but Usman Khawaja has still given his troublesome knee the all clear for next week's first Test against India.
Queensland captain Khawaja was reduced to a cameo role as the Bulls comfortably reeled in a modest victory target of 88 to clinch an eight wicket Sheffield Shield win over Victoria at the Gabba.
In his first game back from knee surgery, the Test opener went for 18 as the Bulls cruised to 2-90 before tea on day three to seal their season's first Shield victory.
Batting at No.3, Khawaja hit two fours in his 31-ball knock on Thursday after his impressive 41 in Queensland's first innings of 271.
Khawaja wanted more time in the middle but was satisfied his knee was ready for the Test series opener in Adelaide starting next Thursday.
"My knee is feeling great. I can't complain," he said.
"I was feeling really good after a five-week break.
"It's always a bit weird going back out in the middle because you haven't been out there in a while.
"I would have liked a big score but it's just a game."
Incumbent Test opener Khawaja may bat at No.3 against India if selectors opt for rookie Marcus Harris at the top of the order with fellow Victorian Aaron Finch in Adelaide.
Harris bounced back from a first innings failure to top score with 62 in ladder-leading Victoria's second dig of 191 at the Gabba.
Khawaja did not have a preferred Test position, saying there was no difference opening or batting at No.3.
Finch would no doubt back Khawaja's call after Victoria's controversial decision to pick the Test opener at No.3 and put Travis Dean at the top of the order spectacularly backfired against the Bulls.
Finch was at the crease in the Vics' first over of each innings after Dean made a pair, lasting a total of six balls for the match.
Finch made just one in Victoria's second dig after a fighting 50 in the visitors' first innings of 167.
The batsman who impressed most before the Test opener was Victoria captain Peter Handscomb, ensuring a tough call for coach Justin Langer.
Langer said Handscomb was vying with Harris for the final spot in their top six in Adelaide.
Handscomb did his best to earn a Test middle order recall, boosting the Vics' second innings with a fine 53 after his defiant 81 in the first dig.
Queensland set up their win by bowling out Victoria for 191 in their second innings before lunch on Thursday after the visitors resumed on 5-157.
Backing up from his 96 in the first dig, ex-Test opener Joe Burns (24 not out) steered Queensland to victory.
