More criticism might loom for Mitchell Marsh despite the allrounder silencing the knockers in Australia's 208-run first Test win over New Zealand in Brisbane.
Marsh claimed Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum's prized scalp and was on a hat-trick on the final day, chiming into a collapse of 4-7 in 19 balls to break the Black Caps' resistance on the final day.
Marsh took 2-25 off 10 overs after claiming 1-32 in the Kiwis' first innings.
It took the heat off Marsh after mounting pressure to justify his spot in the side, with ex-Test opener Chris Rogers describing him as very green for the allrounder role.
But Marsh reckoned he might still cop a spray from Australian bowling coach Craig McDermott for his ordinary attempted hat-trick ball to tailender Tim Southee.
Marsh had McCullum (80) controversially given out caught behind, despite the ball flicking the Kiwi's pads, before trapping Doug Bracewell in front next ball.
But his attempted hat-trick ball left a lot to be desired, sitting up nicely for an injured Southee (back) to comfortably fend off.
"Billy (McDermott) won't be happy with that," Marsh told the Nine Network.
"I tried to bowl as fast as I could at the stumps. It was a bit short, but oh well.
"Full and straight - when you get down to the tail, that's the only way to go."
Marsh will also need to make team batting coach Michael Di Venuto happy after coming good with the ball in Brisbane.
Rogers' "very green" comment compounded pressure Marsh faced in just his eighth Test as he looked to fill the big allrounder shoes left by the retired Shane Watson.
Coach Darren Lehmann admitted before the first Test they had contemplated dropping Marsh to No.7 in the order after a woeful Ashes campaign with the bat.
He made just 48 runs at an average of 12 in three Tests against England but took eight wickets at 18.
Overall, Marsh had 310 runs at 28.18 with a solitary 50 ahead of the Gabba Test.
But Marsh did not get a chance to find form with the bat in Brisbane.
He was not sighted in Australia's 4(dec)-556 first innings before being thrust into the second as a pinch-hitting No.5 and dismissed for two in search of quick runs before another declaration.
"It was nice to contribute to a win after having the first four days with my feet up," Marsh laughed.
"It was nice to bowl a few today and get a few wickets for the team."
Former Australian 'keeper Brad Haddin said on Monday Marsh was "worth sticking with".
"We do judge our allrounders pretty harsh in Australia," Haddin told Sky Sports Radio.
"He's playing for his spot but, if you know Mitch Marsh, he's all about the team.
"He's worth an extended run - he's definitely got talent."
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