Cricket Australia have bowed to the wishes of players and scheduled three Sheffield Shield matches in the lead up to next years  Ashes Series.

The lack of decent warm up matches was seen as a major contributor to Australias dismal showing in the recent South African series.

Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland (pictured) says with the packed international schedule, it was a difficult process to get right but he’s confident that next years schedule will allow the home team the best possible preparation before they take on England in the First Test at the Gabba in November.