Nasher

It was a shocker. I won't make any excuses, that was a disaster by any measure, young or not. That said, I agree that this was clearly an outlier. Even if he does turn out disappointing, he'll never be as poor as he was tonight. I won't judge ANY player on his absolute worst game, especially a 19 year old finding his way. That's just not a fair way to judge. He'll play for Casey next week, and he won't ever be that poor again. He's an emotional guy and was clearly gutted. We move on.

What are your grounds for claiming that? He had a lengthy time out, but for the latter half of the Shield season he was a regular feature. His form isn't much at the moment, but there's not much doubt about his fitness. I expect that within the next 12 months he'll be pressing for Test selection once again.

I thought the same thing about an MFC parallel. The results are similar too, gallant enough in defeat to give you some heart, followed up in the next match with a crushingly pathetic performance that makes you think there is just no hope. Jeez I'm tired of supporting rubbish sport teams.

Jackson Bird should play purely because we're clearly lacking a genuine number 11

I thought he hit it. I was definitely in denial for the first few minutes, but he hit it. Still, feels like it's ended on a technicality rather than drawing to its natural conclusion.

That is absolutely devastating. I feel completely crushed.

Agar's good for another 97 or so you'd think

Exactly. The whole purpose of the review is to eliminate clear errors. Even if we pretend for a moment that the LBW decision was line ball - if teams are choosing to roll the dice and use reviews on line ball decisions in the off chance they might get overturned and aren't successful, then they have no right to complain when there are no reviews left to use on the genuine mistake.

Tell you what, it'll be awfully disappointing if it turns out that he's an ordinary bowler.

I switched the telly off at 9/117. Checked the scores at lunch, and aborted plans for going to sleep (which I really, really needed to do!) and switched it back on. So glad I did. Such an amazing innings. Phil Hughes I thought was Mike Hussey-esque - Hussey was a specialist for playing near-flawless innings while in the shadow of someone else. Fair to say Agar won't ever bat at 11 again. All the quicks failed with the bat yesterday, but on paper they are all decent, and we'd have an embarrassment of riches having James Pattinson bat at 11.

Jack Watts? Does a player have to be small to be a small forward?

Premiers.

I think he will be the biggest, strongest man on the field when he plays; he was damn close to being so during his games in the NAB.

How about young Jordan Silk? It's a tad early, but he's now in his third first class match (for Tasmania) and already has two centuries in his belt including one in the final. Ripping start to a first class career if nothing else.

There's a bloke called Ricky or something making a mountain of runs in the Shield. Anyone heard of him? :-)

Shane Watson goes home, the openers make a 100 stand. Coincidence?

If we were to draw a parallel to the MFC, then Doherty is James Magner. Available, mature, plays a role, will bust a gut, but ultimately no good. He certainly doesn't belong in the "talented youngster" group at 30.

No doubt to tell us all that cricketers should just play and not have to worry about all that professionalism stuff. I wouldn't expect anything less. Am I the only one who couldn't GAF what the players think on issues like this one?

Wow, tough. I'm torn between demanding standards and "they're just simple cricketers, let them play cricket". Gods, I can hear Ian Chappell moaning about it from here. That alone makes me feel compelled to side with the opposing view.

I think your joke-o-meter needs adjusting H_T

If Fawad Ahmed fails, we could always give Imran Tahir a run.

For both his bowling prowess and his ability to stay on the park. Edit: Also a late bloomer like Harris. The similarities are noticeable now that you point it out.

And just to go for the hattrick of consecutive posts - I'm also happy to put my hand up for judging. I promise to judge with the impartialty of the AFL in a tanking inquiry and the integrity of a Pakistani fast bowler. Please leave any bribes in unmarked brown paper bags - thanks.

Here's the post of mine that Rogue moderator deleted

Yaaayyyyyy! Finally.