Sydney, Jan.27 (ANI): The Australian cricketers decision to give a miss to the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is both wise and promising, feels noted columnist Peter Roebuck.

In an article for the Sydney Morning Herald, Roebuck opines that the Australians are fully aware of the workload that is before them, especially in the context of an Ashes series later in the year, and therefore, have shown wisdom in not putting in their hat for the IPL-3 auction held earlier this month.

“Clarke (Australian vice-captain) is on top of his game, his decision not to offer his services to IPL is sound and selfless. In any case he is not as well suited to the 20-over game because he depends more on alacrity than power. Brutal boundaries are not his go,” says Roebuck.

“Ponting, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson and Michael Hussey have also held back. Doubtless they have noted the toll. Doubtless they have the Ashes in mind. It is a promising sign,” he adds.

“Moreover, no heed will be taken of players complaining about workloads who play cricket overseas in their spare time,” Roebuck says.

He believes the Australians have shown commendable professionalism against opposing teams like the West Indies and Pakistan this summer.

“Ricky Ponting’s team is fuelled not so much by anger or passion as by the simple desire to win, an approach less likely to run dry. Accordingly they have held their form in this (one-day) version of the game through several continents and all sorts of conditions. Nor have they ever regarded 50-over cricket as a sideshow. Trophies have been won, strong opponents subdued and their position at the top of the rankings reinforced,” says Roebuck.

“In every respect, Australia’s consistency has been impressive. No point pushing the envelope, though. Now might be a fine chance to give older hands like Shane Watson and Michael Clarke a smoko. Plenty of hard days lie ahead,” he said.

Pakistan has faced a long and unrewarding tour and seems to be running out of steam. Australia have some leeway and might as well use it, he concludes. (ANI)