The Australian has greeted news that rugby league star Andrew Johns will play for New South Wales in Twenty20 matches next season with less than delight.

“Employing Johns' profile as a rugby league player is a bizarre way of convincing the public that Twenty20 has long-term potential. It does the opposite, confirming Twenty20 is all about gimmicks and short-term novelties that make it only fractionally removed from pick-up games in parks.”

And fast bowler Shaun Tait was another who appeared unimpressed, with a blunt message to Johns:

“You're fair game. If the game's for points then it's hell for leather isn't it? If he is happy to play he has to be happy to take the heat."