Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh has floated the radical idea that players should avoid the Twenty20 format until they turn 30.

Marsh, now a national selector, said he does not have a strong opinion either way.

The wicketkeeper’s big hitting during his celebrated playing career would have made him a T20 natural.

“A wise man said to me … not that long ago, actually, that you shouldn’t be allowed to play T20 cricket until you’re 30,” Marsh said.

“If you just stop and think about that, I don’t think that’s a bad solution.

“Maybe it should be the topping on the cake after you’ve fought your guts out for your country.

“After you’ve given everything to the real form of the game, then you get your rewards by playing the short form.”

Marsh was speaking in a panel discussion on Wednesday night after the annual Bradman oration, given by former England captain Mike Brearley.

“I’m not saying I agree with it, necessarily … in fact, I’m sitting on the fence,” Marsh said of the suggestion.

Another panel member was former Australian captain Greg Chappell.

He said T20 was a good coaching tool for players, but said it presented a major issue for young players as they try to develop their game.

“It’s a heck of a challenge,” Chappell said.

“The modern cricketer is challenged more than any other generation before, with the different formats and the adaptability that’s required.

“It will be very hard for most cricketers to play all three formats.

“What it requires to be a good hitter is very different to being a good batter and I’m not sure many players are going to be able to make that assessment and be able to adapt to it.”