Paceman Glenn McGrath is glad to have found some form in Australia's win over India in the ICC Champions Trophy, which propelled his side into the semi finals of the tournament.
McGrath had enjoyed only moderate success in his six one-day matches since returning from personal leave from the game, claiming four wickets at an average of 37.25 prior to Tuesday's match.
But his 2-34 off 10 overs was instrumental in reducing India to a total of 8-249, and he also dismissed the dangerous Sachin Tendulkar for 10 during the spell.
'Pigeon' said it is a good sign he was able to perform so well on a wicket that he believes was not conducive to his line-and-length bowling.
"I felt good, it came out well and I got a bit of rhythm back," McGrath told BBC Sport.
"My goal from the start of the season was to improve with each game and I feel I've done that - hopefully it will keep going that way and I can get ready for a big summer."
"Bowling in these conditions is tough and when I go home it will feel a bit like Christmas."
Australian skipper Ricky Ponting praised the efforts of McGrath and his bowling attack for restricting India to a score that was 'a bit short'.
"The wicket was very good and India … they got off to a pretty good start but our bowlers pegged them back and finished off the innings well."
"Then our batting at the top was good. We played a good game of cricket."
Damien Martyn was the star with the willow for the victors after Adam Gilchrist (23), Shane Watson (50) and Ponting (58) got Australia off to a flyer in the run chase.
The West Australian showed great patience in compiling a match-winning unbeaten 73 off 104 balls, facing up to the challenge of surviving an India spin onslaught.
"Early on I didn't know where I was going to get a run with Harbhajan Singh bowling but we were lucky we had a great start with wickets in hand," Martyn said.
"Harbhajan can easily break it open and win the game for India so the plan was to play it safely against him."
On Martyn, Ponting added: "He came in at a difficult time, it was a hard wicket to start on against the spinners."
"But he showed how good a player he can be for us. Damien played very well and finished the game off tremendously."
Australia now meets New Zealand in the semi finals on Wednesday night as it looks to win its first ICC Champions Trophy.
