Matt Mason might not be the first name in the England selectors' list of Ashes Tour candidates this winter.
But there's no doubt that his resurgence in form over the second half of this summer is timely enough to get him noticed. And, if the England pace attack does suffer any more setbacks over the next few weeks, then who better is there for Duncan Fletcher to turn to than an English-qualified Australian with an Irish passport and a lot of local knowledge?
Certainly, after 12 months of niggling injuries, Mason has truly been firing on all cylinders.
In the space of nine Championship innings, he took 31 wickets - ten of them in one match against Gloucestershire which included a career-best eight for 45.
Despite defeats in the county's last two four-day games, Mason's one-day form has remained decent. His eight-over stint of one for 13 against Leicester-shire last Monday and Tuesday night's impressive three for 26 against Yorkshire at Headingley have been the cornerstone of Worcestershire's three consecutive Pro 40 wins.
Although reluctant to talk up Mason's England chances - "in case it puts the mockers on him" - director of cricket Steve Rhodes is clearly well pleased.
"On the county circuit, he's one of the guys that people respect and admire, someone they are watchful of," said Rhodes. "He bowls in good areas and gets good bounce because he's tall. But, as for England, you'd have to ask the selectors.
"I wish I had a crystal ball on what the England management might do but, at 32, you have to say he's little bit older than some of ones they're trying at this stage, the likes of Liam Plunkett."
What made Mason's performance all the more important at Headingley was the way the visitors coped without star overseas left-armer Zaheer Khan, who had been given the night off.
Ahead of Sunday's next big date against Somerset at Taunton, Rhodes is delighted his team have emerged serious promotion contenders along with Surrey and undefeated Gloucestershire.
