Rest is best

With 91 days to go, that dour, serious and sombre man Ricky Ponting intends rest ahead of the Ashes while his pals play the one-day games against Pakistan. Good thinking on someone's part but will he get the chance to put his feet up or will fame and celebrity mean he has to be up and about when he ought to be having a genuine snooze.

Andrew 'Smiler' Strauss has been made to rest during the Twenty-20 World Cup this June. Good thinking if he is allowed to forget all the duties that go with the Test captaincy, being a professional sportsman and making a few pounds.

I have never doubted that the stars, from those multi-millionaire GP drivers, the rich beyond the rich Tiger Woods to the humblest pro darts player, are overworked.

Too often it is their own fault. They see an opportunity to increase their wealth and one more day of rest is crossed off their calendar. I recall a former England captain complaining to me that he was tired. "But, you went to that silly little tournament in Canada when you could have rested," I reminded him.

"Well, it was just a week and we got a fistful of money," he said. Yes, but, you look as if you needed the rest and how many runs have you made since?

So relish the time away from cricket Ricky and Andrew; but make sure the temptation of the quick buck is not a temptation. Remember the end of the Ashes is just 138 days away.