Waugh of words on lengthy schedule before Ashes

THIRD TWENTY20

AUSTRALIAN selector Mark Waugh has lamented the length of the limited-overs tour of India, given its proximity to the Ashes.

Australia has been competing against India in one-day internationals since September 17 ahead of wrapping up the Twenty20 series late tonight.

For some players, including vice-captain David Warner, it has been back-to-back tours after the two-Test series in Bangladesh in September, with just a short break ahead before the Sheffield Shield season starts on October 26.

Waugh, who’s travelling India with the side, would prefer players have more time off ahead of the Australian summer and a longer preparation for red-ball cricket.

“It’s got to be said, it’s not an ideal time to be away from Australia,” Waugh told Sky Sports Radio.

“This series has been a bit spread out. It would have been better probably if it was a week or two shorter.”

The retired batting great said the early departures from the subcontinent of captain Steve Smith and fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were a blessing.

“There’s been a lot of travel . . . but I think they’re coping pretty well,” Waugh said.

“Obviously Steve Smith going home might be a blessing in disguise, a bit of a freshen-up. He’s got a heavy workload, as do a lot of the players.

“We’ll be right. Those three Shield matches will have us in good stead for the Ashes.”

The Ashes series starts in Brisbane on November 23.