The first Test between Australia and India going ahead as planned remains shrouded in doubt, with reports coming from Down Under suggesting the match could be rescheduled.
Australia are scheduled to host India for the first Test in Brisbane starting Thursday, but with the players torn up and still very much grieving after losing their teammate Phil Hughes, it is understood they are currently not in a position to go out onto the field and play.
Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland and executive general manager Pat Howard said the subject about playing the first Test as scheduled hadn't been broached, but according to a report in the Australian, players unanimously agreed they were not ready to resume cricket duties in a meeting at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the place where Hughes tragically suffered the blow which led to the loss of his life.
According to the report, the players, especially the ones who were on the field – Brad Haddin, Shane Watson, David Warner and Nathan Lyon – when Hughes suffered that fatal blow via a bouncer, are not in a condition to go out and play cricket.
While no decision has been taken yet, and the players will be given as much time as possible to grieve the loss of their friend and teammate, CA are reportedly looking at the possibility of rescheduling the first Test between the second Test in Adelaide, starting on 12 December, and the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Sutherland said the BCCI and the Indian team management have been extremely supportive in this difficult and tragic time and it remains to be seen just what decision will be taken in regards to the first Test at the GABBA.
Meanwhile, Australia skipper Michael Clarke spoke to the media, fighting back tears with pretty much every single word, and clearly showing just how much the death of Hughes has affected the entire side.
Clarke, especially, was a close friend of Hughes, and paid tribute to his teammate.
"Words cannot express how we feel as a team right now," said Clarke holding back tears with great difficulty. "To Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan [Hughes' family], we share in the deep pain that you're feeling.
"Apart from when he was at home on the farm with his beloved cattle, Hughesy was at his happiest playing cricket for his country with his mates. Things were all put into perspective when Hughesy said 'where else would you rather be boys, but playing cricket for your country'.
"We're going to miss that cheeky grin and that twinkle in his eye. He epitomised what the baggy green is about and what it means to us all. The world lost one of its great blokes this week, and we are all poorer for it.
"Our promise to Hughesy's family is that we will do everything we can to honour his memory. Last night I asked Cricket Australia if Hughesy's Australian one day international shirt No. 64 could be retired, to which they agreed. That means so much.
"His legacy of trying to improve each and every day will drive us for the rest of our lives. We'd like to thank everyone both here and overseas for the touching tributes to Hughesy in recent days. Our dressing room will never be the same. We loved him and always will.
"Rest in peace, Bruzzy."
