Australia vs India: Latest on 1st Brisbane Test as Cricket Mourns Phillip Hughes
Australia's first Test against India will be delayed as cricket continues to mourn the death of Phillip Hughes.
Continue for updates.
Monday, Dec. 1
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Fixture Schedule Re-Arranged
The Brisbane Test will now be played after the Adelaide Test, confirmed by Cricket Australia and by Cricinfo's Daniel Brettig on Monday:
Saturday, Nov. 29
Australia and India's 1st Test Delayed
BBC has the latest on Australia and India's first test:
"Australia's first Test against India will not start on Thursday 4 December following the death of Phillip Hughes.
It has also been announced that Hughes's funeral will take place on Wednesday.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said: "We simply couldn't or wouldn't expect our players to be emotionally ready to start a Test."
"
India and Australia's 1st Test in Doubt in Wake of Hughes' Death
Hughes' passing was confirmed on Thursday, per BBC Sport, two days after he sustained severe head injuries after being hit on the top of his neck during a match in Sydney.
Touring side India's final preparation match prior to the opening Test—the two-day tour game against an Australian select XI in Adelaide—was among the many to be cancelled after news of Hughes' death filtered through.
James Sutherland, chief executive of Cricket Australia, suggested now is not the time to make a decision about Thursday's upcoming fixture, per Reuters (h/t the Daily Mail):
"Cricket will go on and it will go on when we're ready. To be honest, we haven't broached that subject with the players yet. We will in time, but to be honest, they've got other things on their minds. I know for many people, seven days doesn't seem too far away but in other ways it is a million miles away. We will get there when we can.
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Hughes' family are said to want the match to be played on time, noted by Keith Bradshaw, chief executive of the South Australian Cricket Association.
"In regard to the Test match, (I can) only (speak) in terms of what I've heard, which is that the Hughes family are keen for that to go ahead," said Bradshaw, per Adam Burnett of Cricket Australia.
"Obviously that's going to be a question for the players and we must be mindful for the players and respect the players' feelings at this time as they come to try and deal with this tragic loss," continued Bradshaw.
Indian cricket hero Sunil Gavaskar believes the match will come too soon. "The first Test is almost a week away but I am sure nobody would be in a mood to play," Gavaskar told NDTV in India, per Ben Horne and Ben McLellan of FOX Sports. "Nobody would be in the right frame of mind."
Tributes continue to pour in for Hughes, who was on 63 not out when the fatal incident occurred. Cricket Australia placed 63 bats on display at its headquarters as part of a global social media trend to remember the 25-year-old, as reported by Dave Middleton of the organisation's website.
Cricket Australia also tweeted its support for both Hughes and Sean Abbott, who bowled the unfortunate ball:
Many others within the game added to the trend. Both New Zealand and Pakistan teams unified in their tribute as the second day of their Test—which was originally suspended—got underway:
The England cricket team posted their respects:
Sutherland suggested the Indian team and officials have offered "outstanding" understanding during a difficult situation which sees their plans altered, per Daily Mail. This was highlighted with their salute:
Hughes will receive a state memorial service. NSW Premier Mike Baird announced this will provide the "entire community" with an opportunity to pay their respects, while "the service will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with a date and other details to be advised in due course," per The Australian.
The reaction to Hughes' death certainly highlights the positive impact he had on the lives of friends, colleagues and fans.
Further updates on the first Test are expected over the next few days.
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