Oz 'cannot say no' to India tour despite 'far from ideal' Ashes preparations, says Harris

Veteran Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris has admitted that Australia cannot say no to the upcoming India tour even though it puts a damper in their preparations for the return Ashes series against England starting in November

India, the most powerful force in the generation of cricket revenue in the world, will host Australia from next month in a series, including a Twenty20 game and seven one-day internationals, and the final game of series will take place less than three weeks before the first Ashes Test starts at the Gabba.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Harris, Australia's leading bowler in the 3-0 Ashes series defeat in England in the winter, is recovering from a hamstring injury and will play no part in the limited-overs campaign in India.

However, the fast bowler admitted that due to the enormous power of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the financial reliance of Australia and other nations on it, his team cannot argue against the scheduling of the India tour despite its 'lack of prestige' and the hold on their preparations for their return Ashes.

Stating that Australia cannot say no to India, Harris however, said that he is confident that the schedule will not jeopardise Ashes preparations, adding that he believes that the players can cope with the load given that they may also get two Sheffield Shield matches before the first Test.

Meanwhile, Harris also agreed with coach Darren Lehmann's claims that Australia's bowlers had, despite not winning a Test in enemy territory, worked out and identified vulnerabilities in Alastair Cook's batting order.