Marcus Harris looked nervous and unconvincing in the last hour of play on Boxing Day.
But unlike 10 English batsmen and his opening partner David Warner, the embattled Australian has survived.
The left-hander will resume arguably the most important innings of his career on day two of the third Test at the MCG, aiming to repay the enormous faith that the selectors have placed in him.
Harris has made 20, still three runs shy of his highest score so far in this series.
Australia is 1 for 61 in reply to England's first innings of 185.
As is his habit, Warner took the lead at the start of the Australian first innings.
He made 38 from 42 balls before Jimmy Anderson made the crucial breakthrough, having him caught by Zac Crawley in the gully.
After Harris only managed three and 23 in Adelaide's second Test, he looked unlikely to play at home ground on Boxing Day.
Coach Justin Langer and the selectors have stuck with Harris in the hope that they can finally translate solid Sheffield Shield form into consistent Test runs.
Day two will reveal plenty about whether that faith is justified.
Images: Cricket Australia