Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni [Images] has highlighted concerns that his side may be physically and mentally exhausted when it arrives in Australia in December following a gruelling schedule.

The Indians have been flat out almost since May, and they will play arch rival Pakistan in a three-Test and five-match limited-overs series before reaching Down Under.

"We have a 10-day gap right now, and in between the Pakistan series and the Australian series we have just a three or four-day gap," Dhoni said.

• Forthcoming cricket schedule

"It's quite tough on the cricketers, but that's the way it goes. Even if you're feeling tired or exhausted, you cannot walk out on any of the matches," he was quoted as saying by the 'Australian Associated Press'.

Australia will be relatively fresh by comparison, having started its international season last month.

Australia plays Tests against Sri Lanka [Images] in Brisbane (November 8-12) and Hobart (November 16-20), and three one-day matches against New Zealand [Images], before meeting India again.