Andrew Johns has a word of advice for Usain Bolt before he trials with Central Coast Mariners
ANDREW Johns has a message for all those claiming Usain Bolt is destined to become Australia’s worst professional sportsman — “Didn’t they see me play cricket for NSW?”
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ANDREW Johns has a message for all those claiming Usain Bolt is destined to become Australia’s worst professional sportsman.
“Did they see me play cricket for NSW?’’ Johns said.
In a hit-and-giggle interview that came after the world’s fastest man sealed a six-week trial with the Central Coast Mariners for an A-League deal, Johns opened up about that other great cross-code experiment.
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The rugby league Immortal and cricket mortal played two Twenty20 matches for NSW in 2007, making his debut against South Australia in Newcastle.
“I didn’t have any hesitations taking the offer up until I went out into the middle to bat,’’ Johns said.
“It was Danny Buderus’ wedding the night before my first game so I had a rather large night heading into the match. All I can remember is being sent out and standing up the nonstrikers end during the last over.
“I looked around and (the bowler) is getting set to bowl and he is about 60m back. He charged in and let a ball go and I didn’t even see it. I went up to Simon Katich, who was facing, and said: ‘mate, you are either hitting a four or a six because I am not running’.
“He ended up looking after me. Thank God.’’
Johns is adamant Bolt will prove a better soccer player than he was a cricketer, not surprising given his pre-debut admission.
“I can’t bowl real well, I can’t bat and I can’t field,’’ Johns said before taking on South Australia. “It’s a big class rise but fingers crossed, I don’t get a bowl a bat or have to field.’’
Johns warned not to write off the world’s greatest athlete.
“I understand he grew up playing soccer and there is no doubt about his athleticism. I think he would be good at anything, given time. And he is certainly going to be a great personality to have around.
“It is going to be a sensation for the game.’’