Waugh wants shorter tours

Counties offered little resistance to the Australians

Australian skipper Steve Waugh has called most county matches on the Ashes tour 'a waste of time' on his return to Australia.

The victorious Waugh, who led his side to a 4-1 triumph in The Ashes, said future tours must be reduced in duration.

"Three months is just too long to be away, I think, and it can be unhealthy for everyone," Waugh said.

"You are in very close proximity to all the squad and it's a long time to be together and people obviously are missing their families.

"So I think in future some of the county games are not needed. They are a waste of time, basically, half of them.

"Probably only two or three were good matches."

Australia played 21 matches on their tour, including six three- or four-day matches against county opposition.