It was billed as a baggy green audition - but it was Moises Henriques who shined brightest with a ruthless century for NSW in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland in Canberra.
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A day after baring his soul to the world, the former Test allrounder posted a classy 152 before the Blues collapsed to be all out for a below-par 279 on day one at Manuka Oval.
The two sides shared honours after momentum swung like a pendulum with the Bulls 1-23 at stumps after NSW removed Joe Burns.
While all eyes were on Test aspirants Matt Renshaw and Burns, it was Henriques who put his name up in lights with a classy century which lifted his side from a precarious position
He arrived at the crease with his side in trouble at 2-43 and led the recovery mission by smashing 20 boundaries and a six during his 178-ball stay.
Henriques on Thursday detailed his battle with depression and subsequent recovery during an interview with broadcaster ABC, and he seemed at ease as he brought up the eighth ton of his first-class career.
The 31-year-old has made four Test appearances for Australia, each time on the subcontinent culminating with a cap against Sri Lanka in 2016.
"I'd like to think I'd have to have a couple more days like today," Henriques said, about the possibility of a Test recall against India.
"I hope they're not just handing them out on the back of one innings.
"I still think I'm good enough to play at that level, but I've got to make sure I've got the currency behind it."
He and young gun Jason Sangha (27) put on 88 for the fourth wicket while skipper Peter Nevill contributed a valuable 29.
However, the Blues collapsed in the final session, losing their final five wickets for just 16 - Mark Steketee was the pick of the Bulls' attack with figures of 4-38.
Queensland opener Burns (6) then failed to make the most of his chance to impress the Australian selectors, although his dismissal appeared dubious after he was at the wicket by a ball that seemed to brush his chest rather than the bat.
Renshaw (8) and Marnus Labuschagne (9) resume their auditions for Test selection on Saturday.
Renshaw will try and capitalise on a let off on four when he was dropped in the slip cordon by Daniel Hughes.
Australian Associated Press
