KEY POINTS:
Australian allrounder Andrew Symonds has reacted strongly to Otago and New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum playing for New South Wales this weekend.
In an unprecedented move, hard-hitting McCullum will contest the final of the Australian Twenty20 championship against either Queensland or Victoria tomorrow night.
Symonds described the
selection of a New Zealander in an Australian domestic team at the expense of a local as being "un-Australian".
"It goes against the spirit of being Australian," Symonds told the Adelaide Advertiser newspaper.
Symonds said if he were the local who missed a spot due to McCullum's selection, "I would be absolutely spewing".
By reaching the final, NSW have already qualified for the lucrative Indian Champions League in October and McCullum will therefore be guaranteed a place in that event.
The 27-year-old may yet qualify for the Champions League through his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, the Kolkata Knight Riders.
McCullum's transtasman hop means he is unavailable for Otago's important State Shield final round-robin match against Wellington in Invercargill on Sunday.
Second-placed Otago are already guaranteed a place in the semifinal but victory would ensure it is a home match.
They could yet be passed by third-placed Canterbury and be forced to play the semi in Christchurch.
Otago Cricket chief executive Ross Dykes had no qualms with McCullum's hasty proposal - which was put to him on Wednesday - believing it will be good for the player and Otago.
"It's an opportunity for Brendon to promote himself," he said.
Dykes believed McCullum's move could set a precedent, with other top players possibly being sought for overseas domestic Twenty20 teams seeking places in the rich Champions League.
His main regret was that the cricket fraternity in Invercargill are being denied a world-class performer.
McCullum and middle order batsman Neil Broom will not be available for the semifinal or final as they will be on national duty in Australia, so Dykes said this weekend was a good opportunity to blood their replacements.
Otago coach Mike Hesson and captain Craig Cumming were involved in the decision to release McCullum.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan also supported the Otago decision.
"There is much potential upside with Brendon having a guaranteed spot in the Champions League," Vaughan said.
"I support Otago's view that they should make all sensible preparations to win through the semi and final of the State Shield without both Brendon and Neil Broom."
Cricket NSW chief executive David Gilbert was delighted to have landed a big fish for the final and the Champions League.
"With the potential losses the NSW squad may suffer depending on which two IPL teams qualify for the Champions League, it is vital that we strengthen our squad ahead of that tournament.
"Brendon is one of the most dangerous limited overs batsmen in world cricket and will be a [huge] asset to NSW."
- NZPA
