Ellyse Perry finally claimed her first wicket in Australia's multi-format series against India on Friday but it was another dismissal that brought her the most joy.
Teenage debutante Annabel Sutherland shook off a nervy first day in Test cricket at Metricon Stadium to put in a much-improved display on day two.
The 19-year-old bowled two fine spells - one with the old ball and one with the new - which asked plenty of questions of the Indian batters without bringing about a wicket.
She did however get some reward just before a thunderstorm brought a premature end to the day's play - running out Indian captain Mathali Raj with a direct hit to secure a big scalp for the home team.
That effort delighted star allrounder Perry, who had presented an emotional Sutherland with her baggy green cap before play on day one.
"I think Annabel was the pick of the bowlers. She was outstanding. Really toiled away and was very unlucky not to get some reward from her spell," Perry said.
"She put in a big effort, you can see she was pretty exhausted by the end of the second spell so that was awesome to see from such a young player who hasn't had a huge amount of opportunity so far this summer.
"She's really made the most of that andthat run-out was exceptional as well ... those kinds of efforts always change the momentum and course of a match."
After a string of near-misses including having century-maker Smriti Mandhana caught off a no-ball with her second delivery of the day and Beth Mooney dropping a sharp chance from Raj, Perry finally struck in her 17th over of the Test.
Mooney made up for her earlier drop to snare a sharp chance low in front of her after debutante Yastika Bhatia mis-timed a drive off her leading edge.
In her first Test since major hamstring surgery in 2020, 30-year-old Perry felt the longer spells she's got under her belt over the past two days will only help on her quest to return to her best form.
"Certainly when you're searching for a little bit of form there's probably more balls that feel a bit shaky than others but I've really enjoyed those two days with Ben (Sawyer, assistant coach) and I think it's paid off a bit," Perry said.
"There's obviously a bit to go but yeah it's been okay."
