Steve Smith has walked the tightrope between next big thing and next man dropped this Ashes series.
But finally the talented 24-year-old took the most crucial step in his career so far, posting an emphatic maiden Test century of 138 not out at The Oval.
Smith became just the seventh Australian to bring up a first Test ton with a six.
Not bad for a bloke who started his international life in 2010 as the country's next blond-haired legspinner and wasn't even in the original squad for this Ashes series.
"It was an unbelievable feeling," he said.
"Obviously I've played 12 Tests now and I would have hoped it had come sooner."
On a rain-affected day two of the fifth Test, Australia declared in a dominant position at 9-492 from 128.5 overs, after Smith had combined with James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc and Ryan Harris for quick-fire lower order runs.
In reply England survived to be 0-32 at stumps, a deficit of 460.
Smith's innings featuring 16 fours and two sixes was one he desperately needed to prove he belongs at this level.
Throughout this series he's been a paradox between classy batsman, touted as a potential future captain, and flaky performer - folding in the crucial moments.
Last week at Chester-le-Street, Smith had a shocker, with brain-explosions at crucial times.
In many ways he was lucky to survive given the way Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja were cast by the wayside.
Coach Darren Lehmann said careers would be on the line at The Oval, and Smith admitted he was aware he was playing for his immediate future.
"I probably was under a bit of pressure," Smith said.
"I was trying to put it in the back of my mind."
Despite scoring an impressive 92 on the tour of India in his first Test in two years, Smith wasn't selected in Australia's original Ashes squad.
However, he forced his way in with two hundreds on Australia A's UK tour.
Smith then rushed up the queue to play in the first Test at Trent Bridge, and his first innings 53 perhaps best summed up where he was at as a cricketer.
He was magnificent up until the loose slash outside off-stump saw him throw his wicket away and cost Australia dearly in the final wash-up.
Since then that contrast has continued.
He scored 89 in the third Test at Old Trafford, but was lucky not to be out three times before he reached 20 and ultimately he threw his wicket away with a hundred in sight trying to slog Graeme Swann.
At Chester-le-Street he played as irresponsibly as anyone with two soft dismissals.
"I'm getting better mentally," he said.
"I feel like I'm improving.
"Some chances have definitely slipped.
"They're the ones that win games for your team (if you convert).
"I didn't think it was far away ... and today was the day."
Smith took some advice from captain Michael Clarke to heart about putting milestone nerves to one side, with his towering six off Jonathan Trott when sitting on 94.
The right-hander yelled "you beauty" at the top of the lungs as he punched the ear and embraced batting partner, and mentor, Brad Haddin.
"I probably wouldn't have played quite the same shot if it was someone else bowling," he said.
"I said to 'Hadds' between overs, 'what do you reckon about hitting him over his head?'. He said 'just keep a clear mind and if it's there go for it'.
"It was there and I managed to get it away."
