Playing the role of first Ashes Test spectator won't be easy for overlooked quick Ben Cutting.
But it seems the Queensland paceman won't mind watching Steven Smith in action at the Gabba next week judging by what he saw from the best seat in the house in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Smith's classy 69 and fellow Test batsman David Warner's quick-fire 52 could not stop NSW suffering a late stumble before finishing at 8-368 at stumps on day one of their Sheffield Shield clash against the Bulls at Allan Border Field.
Cutting (2-66) helped spark a mini-collapse of 5-41 in the final session when the in-form Smith skied a pull shot to fine leg.
Cutting celebrated after finally ending Smith's two-and-a-half hour knock featuring nine fours and two sixes - then breathed a sigh of relief.
The lanky speedster sounded like someone who had dodged a bullet after snaring the man he believed was in the "form of his life" ahead of next week's Ashes opener at the Gabba.
"Steven Smith is in fantastic nick," Cutting told AAP.
"Ever since Smithy came on the scene I have been a big fan.
"And this is a flat wicket, a small ground, a fast outfield - it's a batter's paradise.
"On a wicket like that we were able to restrict them seeing that no one got a hundred.
"We were happy with the way we pegged them back."
Still, Cutting felt a twinge of frustration after rain limited his chances to impress at the recent Australia A clash with England in Hobart ahead of the first Test team announcement.
Cutting was considered a chance as a back-up quick but selectors opted for incumbent James Faulkner.
And it seems the Bulls fast bowler won't be able to turn heads any time soon on a flat Allan Border Field deck.
"It can be frustrating but I am putting overs into my legs and staying fit - that's the main thing," Cutting said.
"I had my fingers crossed (ahead of the first Test) but I thought I was a long shot.
"As long as I stay on the park I can keep playing well and things will happen from there."
NSW were cruising at 1-171 and 2-255 as opener Nic Maddinson (87) and Scott Henry (60) also relished the small suburban ground.
But Cutting, leg-spinner Cameron Boyce (2-96) and Alister McDermott (2-89) helped the Bulls limit the damage late on Wednesday under fading light.
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