Steve Smith is ready to return to his status as Australia's run-scoring machine against New Zealand after spending less time in the middle against Pakistan than any other series in his career.
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Smith was hardly required in Australia's 2-0 trouncing of Pakistan, facing just 74 balls as the hosts' top-three scored 939 runs between them.
A known performer when the chips are down, Smith's scores of four and 36 as Australia found it easy going saw him lose his spot at the top of the ICC's world batting rankings to Virat Kohli.
Smith is far from out of form and his average of 67.87 against New Zealand makes ominous reading for the tourists.
But it also says something about his impeccable Test record that he is just one game away from going three Tests without a 50 for the first time in his career.
"I wasn't too disappointed with the way I played," Smith said ahead of Thursday's first Test at Perth's Optus Stadium.
"I wasn't under much pressure and I was able to relax. And when I came in we were well in control and there was no real pressure."
"I'm not really too fazed by my performances as such. I'm hitting the ball well and comfortable with where my game is at," Smith said.
"I'm looking forward to this series and if I am needed hopefully I will be able to score some runs."
Typically, Smith dealt with the lack of time at the crease by hitting cricket balls in the nets.
He hit less than an hour after his dismissal in Brisbane, and arrived with Marnus Labuschagne well before the team on the final day in Adelaide for an extra workout.
By his own admission, the 31-year-old is not a good watcher of cricket when waiting to bat.
He spent 83 overs with pads on waiting in Adelaide last week after 100 the previous weekend in Brisbane.
The team scores of 2-369 and 2-351 were also the second and third highest he's come to the wicket at throughout his entire career.
"It wasn't easy actually," Smith said.
"It's been a while since I was sitting there just watching the boys do their thing.
"It was great to see some guys score some big runs and me just sit back and chill back. Or at least try and chill out.
"It's actually hard waiting to bat. You're really focused on what is going on out in the middle and getting ready. That was difficult from the point of view."
Australian Associated Press
