James Pattinson is confident his injury problems are firmly in the past after being named in Australia's squad for the third Test with New Zealand in Adelaide.
Pattinson's fledgling international career has been hampered by a string of injuries – including two back problems that have seen him remodel his action and a recent hamstring strain.
The latter has meant he has only featured twice in the Sheffield Shield for Victoria this season, but he has done enough to convince the selectors to hand him an international reprieve.
Following the retirement of Mitchell Johnson after the second Test, Pattinson – who has not played a Test since March 2014 – is now charged with replacing the pace bowler and is ready for the challenge.
"The retirement of Mitch was unexpected, that's what's brought the opportunity about," he said.
"It was a little bit unexpected, but I feel really good. I've played two Shield games now and bowled up to 40 overs in both of them games. I'm feeling good. I'm relaxed and just really looking forward to it.
"It should be a good challenge when we meet up on Sunday and looking forward to seeing all the guys.
"I'm just rapt to be in the squad to be honest. I probably wasn't expecting it so I'm really rapt just to be in the squad. If I don't get selected so be it, I'll keep pushing and putting my name forward."