Four wicket hero Moises Henriques unveiled a re-modelled bowling action designed to prolong his career - and helped stun South Australia on the first day of the Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG on Tuesday.
The Blues all-rounder finished with the incredible figures of 4-13 as the hosts routed the Redbacks for just 188.
The visitors hit back late in the day to leave NSW 3-79 - the game evenly poised.
Henriques has battled injury for much of his career but altered his bowling style over the winter in a bid to reduce the stress on his body.
The results were evident as he ripped the heart out of the SA batting line-up.
At various stages he boasted figures of 3-0 and 4-2.
"Whenever wickets come your way you take them," Henriques said at stumps.
"I've done some mechanical changes to the action in the off-season to reduce the chances of injury."
"There's a few little changes that I've made but nothing drastic."
"I'm just hoping to become a more consistent bowler."
"The body feels good."
Henriques' services are likely to be called upon early on day two, this time with the bat as NSW look to sneak past South Australia's first innings tally and post a lead.
Usman Khawaja (20 not out) and nightwatchman Nathan Hauritz (0 not out) will resume the fight on Wednesday morning.
"We've got a lot of hard work to do yet before we start thinking about a lead," Henriques warned.
"We've got to try and get the first innings points first and get out own lead but it-s going to take a lot of hard work with the bat."
South Australia captain Michael Klinger, who stood in for wicket-keeper Graham Manou after the gloveman broke his toe batting, believes the game is well in the balance.
"The first session is going to be important for both teams," he said.
"We said we wanted to get three wickets (in the final session on day one). That was our aim."
"We've got ourselves back in the game."
Meanwhile, leg spinner Steve Smith is not getting carried away with his prospects of being called up to the Australian XI despite a good day out with the ball.
He took 4-57, combining with Henriques to bring about the Redbacks' downfall.
The blond wrist spinner is line for the third Ashes Test and said: "It's great to be spoken about."
"If the chance comes up and I'm picked then that'll be great."
"They came out alright today."