Peter Siddle was steady as ever on a flat Manuka Oval pitch against New Zealand, but whether that's enough to secure a place in Australia's bowling attack for the first Test remains a mystery.
The fast-bowler toiled away in the Cricket Australia XI's two-day tour clash with the Black Caps in Canberra, which ended on Sunday with the Kiwis holding a 43-run first innings lead.
While he couldn't get a wicket, Siddle proved typically frugal - conceding 34 runs from his 13 overs.
Only four wickets fell across two days and more than 170 overs, proving frustrating for bowlers from both sides but valuable for their batsmen.
Siddle had no doubt been hoping for more action in a bid to press his claims ahead of the opening Test in Brisbane against New Zealand on November 5.
He hasn't played much cricket since his impressive showing in Australia's fifth Ashes Test romp, having failed to break into Victoria's XI for the one-day domestic cup - to the annoyance of national coach Darren Lehmann.
But CA XI coach Greg Blewett said that wouldn't be an issue.
"Sids is very experienced now and he probably doesn't need a whole lot of bowling," Blewett said.
"We all know about his control, we saw that in the last Test match in England.
"It was more about giving him a roll out and I think his rhythm looked as good as it did over in England.
"I'm sure if he gets the opportunity, he's going to really enjoy bowling in Brisbane and Perth."
His case wasn't helped by the fact fellow quick Josh Hazlewood was awarded player of the match in NSW's final win over South Australia after his 3-28 earlier on Sunday.
Retired quick and special assistant to the CA and PM's XI teams, Ryan Harris, reckons selectors will stick with the seam attack of Hazelwood, Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson.
"I dont think they (selectors) need to change personnel," Harris told cricket.com.au.
New Zealand's batsmen, meanwhile, got some valuable time in the middle - including Brendon McCullum.
In his first hit-out of the tour, the skipper hit 58 off 49 balls - including a trio of sixes - before retiring.
"It was good for him just to ease back into things ... and brush off some of the cobwebs that might've been there," said batting coach Craig McMillan.
Kane Williamson (68), Hamish Rutherford (41), BJ Watling (41), Luke Ronchi (39) and Mark Craig (60) also retired after solid innings, while Doug Bracewell (15) and Matt Henry (19) finished not out.
Opener Martin Guptill was the first of just two dismissals, bowled for a duck by young Queensland quick Billy Stanlake (1-25), while Ross Taylor (16) was caught off a Jason Behrendorff (1-31) ball.
McMillan admitted the conditions were nothing like what they're expected to face during the Test series, but said there was still some value in the match and Friday's win against the PM's XI.
That included getting an early look at Test incumbents Siddle and Mitchell Marsh.
"All in all, the three days here in Canberra have gone to plan," he said.
McMillan said it was highly likely the Black Caps' line-up for the four-day clash with the CA XI in Blacktown starting Thursday would be very close to their first Test side.
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