Australian Test fast bowler Brett Lee's trademark smile slipped from his dial briefly yesterday at the SCG as he suffered the disappointment of getting out for 97.
But by stumps the 31-year-old NSW quick had recovered his sunny outlook on life, safe in the knowledge that the Blues were one day away from claiming their 45th Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup title.
Lee's career-best 97 helped NSW score 8-563 declared in their second innings of the final against Victoria, setting the visitors the impossible task of scoring 629 to win.
Victoria will resume today for the fifth and final day's play on 2-96 and Lee is predicting Test leg-spinner Stuart MacGill, who has already taken two wickets, will have a big impact on the final day.
NSW finished on top of the standings and need only to draw the final to claim the title, but Lee says the Blues are well-placed to pick up the remaining eight wickets.
It's all going to plan for the reigning Allan Border Medallist, although that maiden hundred would have been nice as well.
"After the shot first happened (caught and bowled Peter Siddle), I was disappointed to say the least," Lee said.
"I knew there was a really, really good opportunity out there. It was a decent wicket to bat on.
"I know that Beau (Casson who made 89 and shared a 176-run seventh-wicket partnership with Lee) has been in great form.
"When I was on 93 and that nick went through slips, I thought well here's my opportunity to ride my luck.
"But look I mean, that's cricket isn't it?
"I tried my hardest. If you had asked me at the start of the day if I would take 97, I would have definitely said yes.
"That's the way it goes."
Lee, who went into the match with a first-class average of 18.52, has now scored seven half-centuries in 102 first-class games including 65 Tests.
- GREG BUCKLE