Ben Cutting admits he's still a long way from from peak form and that he bowled without rhythm in his first-class return.
Returning from a side-strain that saw him go from 12th man in Australia's first Test of the summer to the rehab rooms for the duration of the KFC Big Bash series, Cutting came back with a vengeance in his first bowling innings back for the Bulls.
On day two against a confident Warriors line-up he struggled with his rhythm and consistency and he leaked more runs than he would have liked.
But the innate, unteachable attributes of a genuine fast-bowling intimidator remained.
Ask Marcus North who had to have his helmet replaced or Shaun Marsh who wore a snarler right in the chest.
On the third day yet another bagful of wickets came Cutting's way, albeit aided by a decent serving of luck.
There was a half-tracker that didn't bounce that trapped Mitchell Marsh leg-before, a catch down the leg-side for keeper Chris Hartley and a caught and bowled from a fortuitous edge into the pads that bobbled back.
Cutting admits it wasn't his finest display of the season, but says he is feeling the improvement with every over back at centre wicket.
"I didn't bowl that well to be honest. I'm a long way from best. I've certainly bowled better than that with worse results," said Cutting.
"Some days you bowl a hell of a lot of maidens and catches drop short, but today I just got pretty lucky. But five-for is five-for and I'm very happy to take it."
"I was really surprised with how I pulled up this morning. There was no sign of fatigue even towards the end of my spell today. It's just about getting overs under my belt and getting my rhythm back."
"Every spell I felt better, yesterday and today."
With National Selection Panel's policy of building squad depth, especially among their pace stocks, there will be talk of an immediate call-up for the soon-to-be-named Caribbean touring squad.
But Cutting claims Test selection is far from the forefront of his mind and motivation.
"I'd absolutely love to (make the West Indies tour) but I haven't really thought about it, I just want to keep getting overs under my belt and the first priority is the Shield final," he said.
"I'm not too bothered at the moment, I'm just happy to be in one piece after a couple of days."