Mitchell Starc’s ability to rise from the canvas on day one of the tour game against Somerset gave the Australian fast bowler and his teammates a major boost in confidence ahead of the Ashes.
For most of the day Starc looked short of a gallop as he fought to regather his rhythm after ankle surgery.
But late in the day Starc flicked a switch and Somerset were back in the sheds before the light turned off.
In a menacing exhibition of swing bowling, Starc claimed 4-0 in 15 balls to close out the innings at 320 all out.
Two of his victims were bowled and the other two given lbw, as Starc (4-33) zeroed in on his target with almost unplayable speed and accuracy.
The left-armer came into the four-day match at Taunton with question marks over where he was at, after he lasted just one lacklustre performance in the Champions Trophy before being dropped.
Those queries remained for most of the day on Wednesday as he continued to give the impression that at least mentally he hasn’t fully recovered from his injury.
But in the twinkling of an eye Starc showed that when he gets things right, his best ball is arguably better than anyone playing in this Ashes series.
“He has had an injury and that will give him the confidence he needs,” said new coach Darren Lehmann.
“Hopefully he will back that up in the second innings. We expect him to, every time he plays for us.
“He’s got plenty of time to get that (rhythm right after surgery), albeit not too many days before we play.”
James Pattinson was probably more consistent throughout the day and finished with figures of 4-56.
Pattinson also fired up in the final session of day one as Somerset lost their final eight wickets for just 16 runs.
Lehmann said the brutal strikepower of Starc and Pattinson was encouraging with the first Test at Trent Bridge fast approaching on July 10.
“It’s exciting. We hope to do it earlier on in the innings but when it comes it comes so that’s the way they are,” Lehmann said.
“Those types of bowlers can influence the game quite quickly. We’ve got to get that happening more consistently.”