Some time ago, there was a great deal of conjecture as to whether Andrew Johns would turn his and to Rugby Union. The big question was would the best Rugby League player in the world defect to Ra Ra? All thought that if he did, he had all the skills to succeed and become a dual international. That is all ancient history now but it seems another opportunity beckons Mr Johns: Cricket.

Today it was announced that Andrew Johns will represent the NSW Speed Blitz Blues in at least two Twenty20 matches next season. I kid you not. It’s true. http://www.smh.com.au/news/cricket/joeys-surprise-code-switch/2006/06/28/1151174246304.html

In a move that says more about the status of Twenty20 cricket than John’s ability with a small, round, hard, leather ball, Johns will make a walk up start for the Blues. No need to try out. Johns will have just a tiny window to press for higher honours, but who knows – after his State of Origin miracles last year, anything is possible.

And to the bigger picture. With so much sport on, it’s hard even to find time to walk the dog. Thank goodness I don’t own one. With World Cup Soccer, Rugby Union Tests, Wimbledon, US Open Golf, State of Origin Rugby League and cricket in the Old Art and the Caribbean, it is round the globe, round the clock action. It’s bloody hard to know when to sleep and what to watch.

Staying strictly with the Dongles “cricket only” policy, here is a very brief summary of the past few weeks.

Sri Lanka and England drew the Test series 1-1. Sri Lanka leads, and has clinched the one day series 3-0. The fourth match is in progress at this very moment. The West Indies beat India in the one day series 4-1 and the four Test series stands at 0-0 after three soggy affairs. India has had the best of it, falling one wicket short in the second Test and 94 runs short (with six wickets in hand) in the second Test. But the West Indies are improving. England will take on Pakistan in the very near future, and will hope for a good showing.

You can all go back to the soccer now.