Just a few months ago, Cameron White was watching his first-class career trail off into the sunset.
Unloved by selectors, the 32-year-old sat on the sidelines, unable get into the Sheffield Shield team he once captained and dominated.
But in the most unlikely of circumstances, White finds himself at the centre of Victoria's back-to-back Shield campaign which will culminate this week in Adelaide.
That Victoria are in the final is largely down to White.
The powerful batsman showed his resilient side with an unbeaten second-innings of 97 off 332 balls to deny NSW the chance to host or even participate in the final.
Instead, it's White lining up for the Vics in his sixth Shield decider after being overlooked for last year's triumph.
White doesn't see the final as a point-proving exercise, nor does he take his exclusion personally.
"I wouldn't call it redemption," he said. "It's just nice to be back playing for Victoria.
"I had to wait for an opportunity. The Australian players were available before the Big Bash and, once they went on Australian duties, it opened up an opportunity for me to come into the team.
"Thankfully, I've been able to make a couple of runs.
"I love playing first-class cricket for Victoria. Hopefully, I can contribute."
In addition to his 97 not out, White scored a ton last month against Tasmania to take hot form to Glenelg.
While South Australia are bidding to win a first Shield in two decades, the Vics have taken outright victories on their past two matches in Adelaide.
Victoria could yet come a cropper; particularly if recent results involving Tasmania are any guide.
The last-placed Tasmanians skittled Victoria at Bellerive Oval by an innings and 136 runs.
The island state then collapsed to lose by a similar margin inside two days to South Australia at the venue of this week's final, Glenelg.
"In some ways, we did just creep in there," White admits.
"We did play well there the last time we played there last season - we had quite a good win ... Peter Siddle got quite a few wickets in the second innings.
"It's been a while since the away team has won a Shield final so, hopefully, we can buck that trend.
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