I am not sure Waugh is a relevant example - he had already played 52 Tests by the time he was 28, and whilst he was not considered a World XI contender by any means, he was a regular performer, one who had played a crucial role in helping Australia win the 1987 World Cup.

The point remains that good players should start playing Test cricket in their early 20s and only the odd late developer should still not be a regular post-26/27. Hussey is an excellent case in point - if he is as good as some argue, he should have started playing a couple of years earlier. Now, even if he plays for another 5/6 years, he would probably not have had a long enough career to be considered Border, Waugh or Ponting's equal.

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A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes
Mark Twain