MELBOURNE, Australia: India batsman Sachin Tendulkar called Saturday for cricket administrators to cut international fixtures and prevent players burning out.

Tendulkar, who is making his final tour to Australia with India, said the workload of international players was too demanding and administrators need to schedule longer breaks in the season.

“We can have more cricket, but it’s equally important to have a little more gap in between the tours,” Tendulkar said.

“So you kind of get some time to unwind yourself and spend some time with family, assess what happened the last test series and work on certain things and then come to Australia very well (prepared).

“But that is how the calendar has become and we can’t do much about it. We just have to get on with it.”

Tendulkar, 34, has played 142 tests and 407 one-day internationals in 16 countries during his 18-year international career, said the toll on players’ was overwhelming.

“We started our season in May and it’s been quite some time,” he said.

Tendulkar is confident India can beat Australia in their four test series starting on Boxing Day despite the hosts’ imposing home record.

Australia has not lost a home series since 1992-93, although India did draw its last test series in Australia four years ago.

“It would be the most important tour if we can pull it off,” he said.

“Beating Australia is obviously the ultimate thing because the way they have played for so many years makes it a special tour.

“Having come here four times, it would be a wonderful occasion.

“As far as I am concerned we are ready and we would like to go out there and put on a good show.”

India will go into the first test at Melbourne on Wednesday with a severely limited preparation after their three-day match against Victoria state was disrupted by rain. Only 48 overs were bowled over three days.