Cricket: Call for change in playing schedule

Australian Twenty20 captain Cameron White called for a revamp in scheduling for shortest-form international cricket, as he considers how he can plan next year's World Cup campaign with just three lead-up matches.

In addition to the two T20 fixtures against South Africa this tour, Australia's preparations consist of just two matches against India in February and a one-off against Pakistan in August-September in the UAE.

White is expected to lead his young side into battle against the world's best and some more game-hardy opponents in September's T20 international tournament in Sri Lanka.

While many players are happy with fewer T20s to reduce player burnout, White believes he wouldn't be doing his job as skipper if he wasn't speaking out about the ad hoc scheduling.

White says a lack of match play could impact on how Australia fare.

"I guess from my point of view - for such a young side and inexperienced line-up - it'd be great if we could play some more cricket before the T20 World Cup."

Australia's conquerors in last year's T20 World Cup, England, play more than double the number of matches next year, with seven internationals before the tournament.

Former champions Pakistan play five, while powerhouse South Africa play six.

Media scrutiny in the lead-up to the opening T20 in Cape Town today, has centred on the current status and worth of international cricket's shortest fixtures.

Critics argue that the widespread approach of teams to rest star players from T20 matches impacts on the credibility of the contests.

Australian vice-captain Shane Watson, one of the few players from either team on tour playing all three formats, says he understands why big names are often absent, but admits it's not a good result for the game.

"It's looking like a number of players who were in Twenty20 international cricket have moved that aside a little bit to try and stay fresh enough to play all year around in one-dayers and test matches as well," Watson said.

"It seems that's the way the trend is going and, in a way, it's a bit disappointing as well.

"Even for South Africa, for example Jacques Kallis, we've seen consistently is one of the most consistent Twenty20 batsmen in the world and obviously won't be playing along with the likes of Dale Steyn, Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel.

"It certainly changes the dynamics of our team and I'm sure it does with South Africa as well."

- AAP