Jordan Silk
IF HE had not been partaking of the courtesy ones provided in the dressing rooms, Jordan Silk could well have been asked for proof of age as he sought a hard-earned beer yesterday.
With a teenager's complexion and a toddler's enthusiasm for playing, the Tasmanian opener may struggle to convince many that he is as old as 20.
But his maturity at the crease was the equal of Ricky Ponting, one of three teammates with whom he spent nearly eight hours in the middle of Bellerive Oval in this final.
At times during their 52-run partnership, it took a second look to determine which of the two had played the latest sublime pull-shot.
In just his third first-class match, Silk hit his second century, behind only a 19-year-old Phil Hughes in 2007 for youngest century-maker in a Sheffield Shield final.
He did so off 358 deliveries during which he produced more dot balls (302) than deliveries faced by an entire team in a one-dayer.
It's an early call but he is everything Australian cricket is crying out for.
He could lecture O. J. Simpson's legal team on successful defence.
Pope Francis could pick up some tips about the virtues of patience.
More importantly, most of Australia's Test team could learn plenty from his all-round approach.
He even has a surname that is a headline writer's dream.
After five first-class innings, he has an average of 69.20, is yet to experience defeat and could be a Sheffield Shield winner before he is 21.
He brought up his ton yesterday with a prod to the infield, a quick scamper, a raise of the bat, a point to the heavens and some bro-mance with captain George Bailey.
He had survived two drops, a missed run-out and being hit on the elbow by a 144km/h Ryan Harris welcome.
When he did eventually depart, it was perhaps in the most unlikely way, holing out to Luke Pomersbach in the deep for 108.
Life, it seems, can't get much better for Silk.
Cricket will not always be this good for the youngster, but few before him could possibly have made a better start.