While he may appear to be battling with the red ball, Travis Head is confident a switch to domestic one-day cricket can spark a run surge that will reclaim his Test spot.
On paper Head looked like he was struggling after a 25-ball duck and second dig of just 12 in South Australia's four wicket Sheffield Shield loss to Queensland at the Gabba.
It wasn't a good look as he tries to break back into Australia's Test side for the series against Pakistan starting in Brisbane on November 21.
However, Head on Monday claimed he was in top form but just didn't have the runs to show for it.
But the busy left-hander believed that could all change when the Redbacks switch their focus to the domestic one day cup against the Bulls at the Gabba on Wednesday.
"I think one day cricket in the middle of summer is a good thing, sometimes it can give you a little bit of freedom," Head said.
"I can go out and hit the ball, I can go out and play with a bit of freedom.
"At the moment I probably have not given myself the best opportunity but I feel like runs aren't too far away."
Head may appear behind the eight ball as he tries to reclaim his spot after being dropped before the fifth Ashes Test.
But asked if he felt top six Test spots were still up for grabs, Head said: "I hope so, if I get enough runs.
"Cricket can sometimes be a cruel game.
"Sometimes you can get a lot of runs and feel like you are not batting well, sometimes you can bat well and not get runs.
"I would love to be there (first Test) obviously but I will keep doing what I am doing.
"If I spend a bit of time out in a one day game and follow it up with a (good) Shield game I can go back to playing really good cricket."
While ruing his lack of runs against Queensland, Head was more frustrated by "missing out" in his 184-ball 51 in the Shield clash with Victoria, on a Junction Oval wicket where two double tons and four centuries were scored and only 12 wickets fell.
"I feel like I missed more of an opportunity last week but I feel I am batting really well, just need a few more runs," he said.
"It (being out of Test side) is not ideal but it is not something I am worried about.
"I am worried about getting runs for South Australia and trying to win games."
Meanwhile, Test No.3 Marnus Labuschagne has warmed up for the Pakistan series with an unbeaten 72 - his third half century in four digs - to steer the Bulls to victory.
And Mitchell Starc appears a lock against Pakistan after claiming his best Shield match figures - 10-60 - in NSW's eight wicket win over Tasmania.
Australian Associated Press
