Oz players worried over 'shortened' domestic 50-over event ahead of 2015 World Cup

Australian cricketers have reportedly expressed their concern over the cutting down of the number of matches of the domestic 50-over competition ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

The one-day Ryobi Cup domestic competition, which is in progress in Sydney, has been cut back from 10 matches a season in 2011-12 to eight in 2012-13 and six this year.

According to News.com.au, Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) chief executive Paul Marsh confirmed there was a proposal to break the Ryobi Cup into two periods and Cricket Australia (CA) has hinted that indicated that it intends to retain the new format, which sees the tournament played out within a month in the same town, next year.

Players including acting one-day international captain George Bailey and Victorian captain Cameron White have said that their chance to break into the ODI team is limited, as these games are played at the end of summer traditionally and the Ryobi Cup is done by the start of November.

The players are also worried that with the six Sheffield Shield games scheduled back-to-back in order to allow the Big Bash to occupy January and February, fast bowlers will not be able to withstand the strain.

The report mentioned that crowds have been poor at this year's tournament as almost all matches have been during the day and the majority during the week.