Mitchell Starc admits he once would've "thrown the toys out of the cot" if he missed selection in a team.
But the matured Australian quick is seeing things clearly now as he prepares to take his chance against Pakistan in Brisbane's first Test from Thursday.
James Pattinson's suspension on Sunday prematurely ended their likely bowl-off to join Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, meaning Starc will get his chance in an all-NSW attack at the Gabba.
Once considered the automatic go-to combination, the pecking order was turned on its head during the Ashes series in England as Australian bowlers were selected on a horses for courses basis.
That left Starc on the outer for all but one of the five Tests and his stocks didn't improve when he managed just one wicket in NSW's Sheffield Shield opener at the Gabba this year.
Rather than kick stones, the 29-year-old made some tweaks and will return to Brisbane with 17 Shield wickets at an average of 17 to go with his great T20 form for Australia.
"Everything was happening slowly, I didn't feel the good stuff and positive stuff but I've got rid of the cloudiness of that Gabba game," he said.
"I've had a few good weeks since ... it changes quickly, cricket's so fickle."
He said that level-headed approach - removing himself completely from social media was a key plank in that process - had also helped in England when selectors were looking elsewhere.
"In the past a younger me would've thrown the toys out of the cot," he said of his non-selection.
"But now, through good stuff or bad stuff you try to keep it really level and in the end I'm still part of this squad and feel I've got plenty to offer."
Starc said in many ways his role is clearer in Australian conditions, where he will be given licence to let it rip from captain Tim Paine.
"We felt other bowlers in England in certain conditions were suited better than Mitch," Paine said.
"But we get back to Australia and conditions suit Starcy down to the ground.
"I know he's always disappointed to be missing games, so hopefully we see that in his bowling the next few weeks ... I think he's going to be a real handful."
Australian Associated Press
