AUSTRALIA’S Test stars might get three Shield matches to lead-into next summer’s Ashes series, but chief executive James Sutherland admits players shouldn’t get too used to that kind of preparation.

Sutherland made it clear on Tuesday that the overcrowded state of international cricket is showing no sign of abating in the years to come.

As well as refusing to make any guarantees about first-class Test preparation beyond the Ashes, Sutherland also conceded he has no idea if a 2018 Twenty20 tri-series against England and New Zealand will overlap a Test tour of South Africa.

Alastair Cook and Joe Root are pretty happy after winning the 2015 Ashes. Source: Getty Images

The decks have been cleared for the Ashes, but the players’ wish of having a greater say over their yearly summer preparations is no closer to becoming a reality.

“The preparation leading into a series of Test cricket will depend from year to year,” said Sutherland at the announcement of the 2017-18 Ashes schedule that will start in Brisbane in late November and feature one day-night Test in Adelaide.

“It’s actually quite difficult when you start a Test series in early November because the Australian team will be touring somewhere.

“But we need to work around that to get the best possible preparation in the circumstances.

“For an Ashes series, it’s clear we’ll get three matches before the series starts.”

Steve Smith will be hoping to lead the Aussies to Ashes victory. Source: News Corp Australia

Australia scarcely play Twenty20 international cricket, perhaps explaining why they’ve never won a World Cup in the shortest format.

A move to hold a tri-series against England and New Zealand in the January after this would appear a step forward in taking T20 seriously, however not if half the team is missing on Test duty.

When Australia play Sri Lanka in three T20s this coming February no Test stars will be available as they’ll be suiting up for a Test match in India.

The same problem could happen the following year, although dates for a Test series against South Africa are yet to be pencilled in.

“I’m not sure. I haven’t actually looked that far ahead in terms of how that ties in,” said Sutherland.

“But we’ve tried to give ourselves the most flexible approach.”

Cricket Australia is confident of strong crowds for the inaugural day-night Gabba Test, but weren’t prepared to take a punt on two pink ball matches in an Ashes summer.

2017-18 Ashes Series

First Test – Australia v England, Gabba - 23-27 November 2017

Second Test – Australia v England, Adelaide Oval (Day-Night) - 2-6 December 2017

Third Test – Australia v England, Perth (venue TBC) - 14-18 December 2017

Fourth Test – Australia v England, MCG - 26-30 December 2017

Fifth Test – Australia v England, SCG - 4-8 January 2018

2017-18 One-Day International Series against England

First ODI – Australia v England, MCG – 14 January 2018

Second ODI – Australia v England, Gabba – 19 January 2018

Third ODI – Australia v England, SCG – 21 January 2018

Fourth ODI – Australia v England, Adelaide Oval – 26 January 2018

Fifth ODI – Australia v England, Perth (venue TBC) – 28 January 2018

The schedule for next summer’s Ashes has been announced. Source: Getty Images

Prime Minister’s XI

PM’s XI v England – Manuka Oval – 2 February 2018

2017-18 T20 International trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I – Australia v New Zealand, SCG – 3 February 2018

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena – 7 February 2018

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG – 10 February 2018

Fourth T20I – New Zealand v England, Wellington Stadium – 14 February 2018

Fifth T20I – New Zealand v Australia, Eden Park – 16 February 2018

Sixth T20I – New Zealand v England, Seddon Park – 18 February 2018

Final – TBC, Eden Park – 21 February