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[Buzz]

Retired Hurt - clearly playing for his average!

[Kulli]

He's clearly not rubbish but I don't think many 29 years olds with an average of 19 would be getting offered 2 year county deals, obviously the media will ham up how bad he was as it makes it seem more of a story.

[langer17]

They would have seen him bat at training, so clearly they thought he could play.

[ianbuchanan]

They would have seen him bat at training, so clearly they thought he could play.

Thats what I thought aswell. You don't just chuck a guy off the street in to open the batting without watching him play!

[Burdy]

just been nosey and looked at this guys stats. he has been around for yonks! Played loads of minor county games with people i have played with and a shed load of county 2nd eleven games. Although, there is not many games where he has got runs, he has certainly been playing a decent standard for a long while. Must be able to play the game.

[Buzz]

I think this guy is the ultimate "net" batsman - must look awesome in practice to keep getting picked.

The falsifying the passport is the worst - he has done this as the U26 players mean counties get an ECB grant - which will be the only way he got a contract

from Mike Selvey over on the County Cricket - Live! blog. "I came across Adrian Shankar a couple of years ago. I did a coaching session in the indoor school at Lord's and he was there along with Dawid Malan and BIlly Godleman. He didn't look a bad player although not exceptional. Then the winter before last, I received an email from someone saying that Shankar, having been released by Lancashire, was tearing up trees in the Lancashire League, with hundreds galore. Research showed no mention of him, but subsequently I seem to recall some registration problems ( his club already had a pro, and so he could not qualify, or something like that) as a result if which all his stats were airbrushed from the records and the club docked points. It was all very strange."

[Beachcricket]

I've only just seen the article, absolutely brilliant. How did he get through?

As you say Buzz he must score "net centuries".

[uknsaunders]

I think the real story here is the ECB Grant system and the lengths people will go to get a job - not surprising given the current economic climate.

Aside from his age the guy has told the odd white lie, but we all have at some point to enhance our job prospects.

[jimba101]

I think the real story here is the ECB Grant system and the lengths people will go to get a job - not surprising given the current economic climate.

Aside from his age the guy has told the odd white lie, but we all have at some point to enhance our job prospects.

but he's got a law degree from cambridge hasnt he? surely that stands him in good stead to get a well payed job?!

fair play to him for trying but he must be stupid to think he would get away with it forever

[Burdy]

I agree, the odd white lie does not hurt. But when you apply for a job that your personal ability to play at a high level is looked at day in day out, then it will come back to bite you on the bum. It is not as if he has told a porky that he can use a Microsoft package or relavent managment skills is it.
If he wasnt good enough, then it is the County's fault for taking him on, not himself.
As for studying law at Uni, i am hoping this has not hindered him for law jobs as this may be fraud in some way or another

[TheBoyLegend]

I think the County has a duty to its members,players and Shanker and give a propper statement out one way or another because if this is a case of him not being truthfull to his employers the details should be made clear if its not they are potentially destroying a young (albiet we dont know "How Young") players reputation by allowing rumours to escalate.

Think as Tom (mongoose) said previously it shouldnt come down to supposition and the county has a duty of care to any employee

[Canners]

I've only just seen the article, absolutely brilliant. How did he get through?

As you say Buzz he must score "net centuries".

i love walking out of the nets saying another ton not out

[jonpinson]

I'd be interested to here the argument as to what WCCC would stand to gain from making all of this up if it isn't true.

[Tom]

I'd be interested to here the argument as to what WCCC would stand to gain from making all of this up if it isn't true.

WCCC are yet to comment, as is Mr Shankar or his representatives.

[psincock]

Even Atherton was talking about it this morning