On a day of momentous firsts it was fitting Cameron Green's maiden Test wicket sparked arguably the most joy among Australia's XI.
Green, having toiled for 44 wicket-less overs throughout Australia's 2020-21 series against India, removed a well-set Ollie Pope for 35 in Wednesday's post-lunch session.
Euphoric scenes ensued at the Gabba, where Mitchell Starc was the first of many ecstatic teammates to make a bee-line for the young gun.
Alex Carey's cap presentation and catch to dismiss Dawid Malan ignited somewhat similar responses, as did Starc's stunning series-opening scalp and various highlights of Pat Cummins' record-breaking start to captaincy.
But it was Green's breakthrough, in the knowledge of how much he has toiled over the past year while wrestling with the expectation that comes with being Australia's next great allrounder, that triggered unfiltered delight.
Green, aged 22 and likened to Andrew Flintoff long before donning the baggy green, will unfairly be compared with superstar Ben Stokes throughout the Ashes series.
Yet there is no hiding the fact the West Australian's output with the ball will have wide-ranging effects this summer, on both teams.
Green is the circuit breaker that holds the key to Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood backing up as much as possible in a taxing schedule of five Tests in six weeks.
If the right-armer and Nathan Lyon are able to keep things tidy and lighten the load it will ensure the frontline quicks are as fresh as possible.
Green was relatively unthreatening against India but Cummins said the bashful talent loomed as a major factor this summer.
"Greeny's a beauty, he's just so polite ... (after taking the wicket) he said 'oh sorry I think I probably celebrated a bit too much," Cummins said.
"I said 'it's Test cricket mate, you can do what you want'.
"We're really happy for him; he's a huge player for us, not just a fifth bowling option. He's a real fourth seamer.
"He's talented and has got all the skills; big, bowls fast, hits the deck.
"It was a shame he didn't get a wicket last season, but it's nice to get off the mark today."
Australian Associated Press
