Sydney, Aug 14 (IANS): Australian cricketers are not happy with the split innings 45-over format ratified by Cricket Australia (CA).

The new format will be used in 31 domestic matches and players will have to adopt to a completely different format ahead of the 2011 World Cup in the sub-continent.

The split innings format will divide the innings into two blocks, the first will be of 20 overs each and the second of 25 overs. The fielding restrictions will stay for the first five overs of the four innings.

The players say that they were not properly consulted by CA before the format was ratified.

"The decision by CA to the split innings in this year's domestic one-day event was made before collective player input was even sought," Paul Marsh, Chief Executive, Australian Cricketers Association was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

"For the people that play and know the game better than anyone, this process has been difficult to comprehend and players are very disappointed. Players are open to changes to any format of the game that can make the game better."

"They acknowledge that the one-day format has had its recent challenges and as a collective they want to help those running the game find the best solution."

"The players don't believe the split innings format is the best solution," said Marsh

CA's CEO James Sutherland said the format had been decided after intense consultation.

"We have listened to the public, undertaken comprehensive consultation across Australian cricket and developed a format which we now want to test thoroughly this summer."