Baffled by the cramped schedule the Australian team has had, Michael Clarke had called the upcoming home three-match ODI series against New Zealand "token games" slotted at the fag end of a long summer. 

Clarke suspected that matches are being organised to gather revenue and in doing so Cricket Australia isn't keeping the best interest of the national side in mind. 

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"Absolute token games of cricket," the former skipper said on Big Sports Breakfast, with Australia having virtually no break in between its limited-overs series in South Africa and the contest against the Black Caps. 

"To be honest, I can't believe it. I'm a cricket fan through and through, but whoever has made the decision to put these three ODIs on, it's footy season."

"Cricket season is finished. What a great way to finish it with the women winning the World Cup as well," Clarke added. "I'll be very surprised if anybody turns up to watch those games."

But responding to that jibe on the overall contextless nature of the rubber,  Kiwi pace veteran Trent Boult said bagging the silverware versus the arch-rivals will be motivation enough.

"Michael Clarke doesn't sound too happy for some reason, I don't know what's got under his skin," Boult told reporters. "I don't know why the series is token. There's a good trophy up for grabs between both teams and we can't wait to hopefully lift it."

"Australia's an awesome place to play cricket. They're big stadiums compared to the ones here. I'm sure there will be a crowd there with a few supporters."

"I'm already ready to hear some sledging and a few other things. It's going to be an exciting series, no matter what some people are saying."

The series begins next Friday (March 13) in Sydney, which also hosts the next ODI on Sunday (March 15) before the last game in Hobart on March 20. 

(Inputs from AAP)