Hughes, a one-time selector, said he was incredulous that Australia were playing in a one-day series in India while England were in Perth preparing for the Tests.

“I think they are really well placed,” Hughes said on Fairfax radio. “I mean, they could be in India doing seven one-day games preparing for the Ashes like the Australians are — what a great preparation that is.

I am just dumbfounded with England being in town and preparing for an Ashes that starts in a month’s time.”