Brett Lee's long wait to finally return to the Australian Test cricket team is far from over.
Speculation was rife in the lead-up to this week's first Test against Pakistan at the WACA ground that the blond quick would replace Michael Kasprowicz in the lineup.
The traditionally-flat WACA deck, combined with Lee's impressive showing in the one-day series against New Zealand, had critics believing Kasprowicz could be on the way out.
His 22-run over that cost Australia victory in the first one-dayer against the Kiwis was dreadful timing.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting did little to end the speculation by declaring on the eve of this match that Lee was in the frame to unleash his breakneck speed in Perth.
Ultimately, Australia plumped for an unchanged Test line-up, with Lee 12th man, and Kasprowicz's fate was left largely in his own hands.
The Queensland quick finished with 5-30 from 16.3 overs, including the scalps of Pakistan dangermen Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana (one apiece), as the tourists were skittled for 179 in reply to Australia's 381.
It was his fourth five-wicket haul in 29 Tests and Kasprowicz was rapt.
"That was pretty satisfying," he said.
"Leading into this game I suppose there was plenty being said, so to actually come through there and get some wickets was very pleasing."
The 32-year-old, who has been in and out of the Test team since his debut in 1996, can empathise with Lee's frustrations.
The NSW paceman's last Test came against India in January.
"Obviously Brett's been training hard and it's a long time to not be playing," Kasprowicz said.
"I suppose I know his frustrations and one of the things I can say from Brett is he's very positive - for the blokes out in the field and his own game as well.
"That makes it easy as well within the side.
"It's just a really good feel amongst all the players and certainly amongst all the bowlers."
While the speculation was snowballing around him, Kasprowicz simply concentrated on his game and ignored the intense media coverage.
He admitted he now has a different attitude to when he made his international debut nine years ago.
"In a lot of ways I think I'm just approaching it a little bit differently, not looking over shoulders," he said.
"It's just about going out there and having fun and giving it everything you've got.
"I'm comfortable where I'm at with my game and feel I've been improving through the years and still feel like I've got more to go."