Definitely because of the quick turnaround between tests in the modern day. 20-30yrs ago the gaps between tests helped the bowlers recover quicker
Not true.
In 2008/09, gaps for tests were changed to a minimum of 3 days. Before that, it was only 2 days, as was evidenced by the New Year's test at the SCG starting on January 2, instead of January 3 (which it has been since 2009). And even when there were longer gaps between tests, those were normally covered by either tour or practise matches.
IMO, the players need to toughen up rather than bitch about player burn-out, playing too many matches etc., and then next minute they're seen flying all over the world playing in all these T20 tournaments. The players of today's generation don't realise that the old 6-test Ashes tours (like what it was pre-1998) went for 4-5 months, even if it meant playing Netherlands and Denmark like we did in 1989!
http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1980S/1989/AUS_IN_ENG/
I would like to see the Ashes go back to 6 tests, like what it was in 1997, but it will never happen whilst the BCCI throws millions at players to play in their Mickey Mouse tournaments.
