James Faulkner remains desperate for a Test recall but the allrounder knows his recent first-class form simply hasn't been good enough.
Faulkner will be one of the first picked for Australia's ODI clash with New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in Australia's limited-overs sides since 2013.
Faulkner was named man of the match in last year's World Cup final, having kept Shane Watson and then Mitch Marsh out of Australia's XI during the tournament.
Reproducing that form in the whites has proven easier said than done.
Faulkner played the fifth match of the 2013 Ashes, a dead rubber at The Oval, but hasn't been sighted in the baggy green since.
At various points he has threatened to break into Australia's Test XI but never consistently enough to warrant a call-up.
"I've always said it's in my hands to perform when I get the opportunity," Faulkner said.
"Whether that's a red-ball game every now and then or that's two or three back to back for my state.
"I need to make every post a winner and I don't think this year I have.
"So I definitely need to improve that part of my game to get it where I need to be.
"I've got to get runs and wickets to get picked."
Toe and foot issues didn't help Faulkner in the four games he played for Tasmania in the first half of the 2015-16 Sheffield Shield season.
Prior to that, a drink-driving conviction in England made a poor impression on national selectors.
But on the field, Faulkner felt his 2015 county stint was a success.
"The hardest thing for me has been being able to play red ball consistently," he said.
"I spent some time over in England and did pretty well over there with Lancashire.
"It's a matter of playing some consistent cricket."
As for what role he'd like to play in the Test side - No.6 batsman or third paceman - Faulkner is not worried.
"Wherever they want to play me. I'd definitely love to bat No.6," he said.
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