by Our Sports Desk

THE Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) weighed into the “wags” debate yesterday, insisting players benefit from the presence of families and partners on long overseas tours.

Former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy was first to suggest that the Baggy Greens’ Ashes bid may have been harmed by the appearance of wives, girlfriends and children in England. A comprehensive defeat at Trent Bridge last week meant England regained the Ashes with a match to spare.

Healy’s sentiments have been echoed in other sections of the Australian media, though retiring captain Michael Clarke described the theory as “a load of shit” in a colourful radio interview.

Several players have made their annoyance known on Twitter too, prompting the ACA to issue a statement explaining its role in facilitating family visits.

ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson said: “Having families on tour is an important part of the support network for players, particularly with three forms of the game and year-round travel.

“Overseas campaigns can be brutal and while players understand that it is part and parcel of what they do, the relatively short periods they spend with their families and partners (on tour) has a positive impact on their well-being.

“The overseas period is designated months in advance and entitles players to have immediate family members or partners on tour for a two-week period. The costs associated with this are paid for by the players via the Player Payment Pool.

“This benefit becomes available to a player when he has spent more than 50 days abroad in a contract year.”