Nielsen concerned about players' burn-out

Vadodara:

The late arrival of a few members of the Australian one-day squad, who are taking part in the ongoing Champions League Twenty20, is a bit of a worry for the visitors, accepts team coach Tim Nielsen.

"Its difficult. We have our New South Wales (Blues) players playing the final on tonight and joining the squad tomorrow afternoon. We are supposed to play at 9 on Sunday morning. That much of traveling, that much of playing," said Nielsen ahead of the seven-match ODI series against India starting here on October 25.

Pace duo of Brett Lee and Doug Bollinger and spinner Nathan Hauritz are part of the NSW outfit playing in the Champions League final on Friday against Trinidad and Tobago at Hyderabad.

They have been in India since the first week of this month along with Victoria squad members Peter Siddle, Cameron White and Jon Holland. Victoria, however, were eliminated by NSW in an all-Australian semi-final.

Nielsen pointed out that those members of NSW, who were part of the Ashes series in England, had been on the road for close to six months which could be taxing especially with a family to look out for.

"Those guys on the New South Wales team who were on the Ashes tour have not been home for six months which is a huge ask. Most of our group members had a week and a half at home in that period. If you have a family it can be difficult," he explained.

He was, however, quick to add that the cricketers were only doing their job and are proud to be represent their country.

"At the same time we are all doing something we really love and we realize we are in a privileged position representing our country. We are very proud of that. Families are also very supportive of the players," he said.

About fast bowler Lee, who could not get a look-in during the Ashes but since then has been outstanding in the limited over games, Nielsen said his smile was back and he was bowling fast which indicated he had got over his personal problems.

"I thing so (overcome his personal problems). That was a difficult period. He has gone through a marriage break-up. We had done our very best to support him. He has worked very hard," the visiting team's coach said.

"The great thing for us is to see him back smiling and bowling fast, which is always a very good sign. He's feeling very good about himself and feeling very good about his world.

He's a tough character and is a very professional and experienced cricketer," Nielsen said.