Great cricket pitch wins it

SCHOOLBOY star Will Sutherland has chosen a career in cricket ahead of Aussie rules, ending one of the most hyped code battles in years.

The 17-year-old son of Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland captained the under-19 Australian cricket side this year as an all-rounder and featured for Cricket Australia XI against touring Pakistan in January.

The 195cm teenager, though, was previously touted as a potential top-10 AFL pick should he nominate for the national draft.