Doug Bollinger put all his focus into performing for New South Wales rather than his Test aspirations - and was duly rewarded with 3-33 against Western Australia on Friday.
Bollinger was named Australia's 12th man for the first Test against the West Indies and warmed up with the team on Thursday morning before flying to Perth to take his place in the Blues' Sheffield Shield side starting Friday.
He struggled a little early in the morning with six no-balls after captain Stuart Clark won the toss and sent WA in to bat, but bowled much better after lunch to finish with the scalps of Wes Robinson, Steve Magoffin and Brad Knowles from 10.2 overs.
The Blues bowled out a disappointing WA for 131 midway through the middle session and had already claimed first-innings points by stumps as they moved on to 4-168.
The 28-year-old left-arm quick made sure he didn't focus on his national dreams once he stepped out onto the WACA and despite feeling a little tired, put all his energies into doing well for NSW.
"It's hard to go straight back into it, but it's good to be out here playing a game instead of just doing the 12th man duties," Bollinger said.
"It was a long flight and I was a bit tired, but I just got into it and tried not to bowl out of my skin. I just tried to do what I could do and it came off all right. I was a little more relaxed in my second spell, got into a rhythm and that was really good."
"I've seen bits and pieces (of the Test), but I have to do my own thing and if I keep worrying about what the future might hold I will drive myself insane or won't bowl as well. I just have to keep taking wickets and when my turn comes grab it with both hands."
The WACA wicket offered plenty of life early in the day and the bounce remained for all of the first day, but even Bollinger and WA's Mitch Marsh acknowledged it wasn't a pitch that should have ever left a team making just 131.
"For the first time in a long time I was happy to win the toss and bowl first. Everyone bowled well today and we've got off to a good start with the bat," Bollinger said.
"The wicket was green and soft early on and was good to bowl on. The majority of the balls went through nicely and it was pretty good. I asked Mitchell Marsh and he said it wasn't a 130 pitch. As he showed once you are in and get started it's not too bad, but you just have to clamp down on it."
Bollinger had his first look at the 18-year-old Warriors batsman, who was the only WA player to show any fight with the bat as he made 59 not out to back up his one-day 60 off 29 balls on Wednesday.
"He looks like a very good player. He came out and played really well, he's only 18 and really whacks them. He's going to be very good. He bats well and he'll be very good as he gets older. He wasn't weak with the short ball, I give you that, and he did well on a green wicket," he said.