Mitch Marsh has well and truly closed the door on the darkest day of his Test career as he relishes his growing popularity with Australian fans.
Marsh was infamously jeered at the MCG when he replaced local favourite Peter Handscomb in the Australian team for the 2018 Boxing Day Test.
But the West Australian allrounder has won over Victorian fans on his Test return to the iconic venue against Pakistan this year.
They sang and chanted Marsh's nickname - "Bison'' - while he fielded on day two of the second Test, then stood as one to applaud him after he fell agonisingly short of a hundred on day three.
Marsh arrived at the crease with Australia reeling at 4-16 and was dropped by Abdullah Shafique at first slip on 20.
The aggressive right-hander cashed in on the lifeline, smacking 13 boundaries on his way to 96 from 130 balls, before a stunning catch from Salman Ali Agha brought an end to his typically entertaining innings.
A crestfallen Marsh trudged off in front of a family contingent that included brother Shaun and father Geoff, who both also fell narrowly short of centuries at the MCG during their own Test careers.
"It's obviously disappointing. I thought we navigated our way out of a tricky situation in that partnership with Smudger (Steve Smith)," Marsh said.
"I guess there's a lot of history at this ground, the Boxing Day Test, and a bloody big honours board that I was close to getting on, but it wasn't meant to be.
"Shaun got run out for 99 and Dad got 86 here, so Shaun's technically still got me.
"It's a little bit of history for us and hopefully I get one more crack at it."
The standing ovation at the end of his innings was a far cry from the hostile reception Marsh received five years earlier.
"I shut that door a long time ago for me personally, but I guess the story around coming back is hopefully a nice one," Marsh said.
"But I've certainly felt a lot of support and it's been amazing."
Marsh played up to his new fans on day two, clapping and dancing along with their tunes while fielding in the outer.
The 32-year-old even replicated football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic "Siuuuu'' celebration as hundreds of revellers in the Shane Warne Stand joined in.
"It's been an amazing couple of days," Marsh said.
"If you look at the history of the crowd here and Bay 13 ... there were a few bays there yesterday.
"It's been a lot of fun and we're always thankful for the support.
"For me personally, I guess it was a biggish moment to come back here ... and it's been a pleasure to be a part of it."
