Former Test stars have hammered the decision to replace the injured Mitch Starc with Australia’s team masseur during the Adelaide Test.

In extraordinary scenes at the Adelaide Oval on Friday night, massage therapist Grant Baldwin went on as a sub-fielder for Australia in the historic day-night Test match.

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The decision to summon Baldwin and not one of the allocated sub-fielders from South Australian cricket was made by Test captain Steve Smith.

Baldwin, 28, was a talented Victorian second XI cricketer and was once registered for the AFL draft, but now travels the world with the Australian team as its Mr Fix It, working as a masseur and logistics help for team manager Gavin Dovey.

Baldwin attracted attention late on day two when he let a drive go through his legs.

Nine Network commentator Michael Slater made it known he didn’t like Baldwin being on the field.

“Why is the team massage therapist out there fielding for his country … why is he fielding for the Australian cricket team in a Test match?” Slater said.

“What needs to happen is you get a first class cricketer in to gain experience if there’s an opportunity, but I don’t think you have someone fielding who’s in the Australian team set-up.

“What happens if you need a catch to win a Test match and he’s in a position and puts it down? I think that’s unfair.”

Mike Hussey and Matthew Hayden agreed.

“I feel sorry for Grant Baldwin, it’s not his fault. He’s probably petrified out there … it does seem a bit unprofessional doesn’t it,” Hussey said.