CA postpones first India-Oz Test to allow players to pay tributes to Hughes

Cricket Australia has confirmed that they are postponing the start of the first Test between India and Australia so that players can pay their tribute to the deceased batsman Phillip Hughes.

Hughes passed away on Thursday after suffering severe injuries from a bouncer that hit him during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG on Tuesday. His funeral would be held in his hometown of Macksville on Wednesday, with players past and present expected to attend.

CA confirmed that the first Test against India at the Gabba won't start this Thursday and ticket sales have been suspended, News.com.au reported.

Patrons who have already bought tickets have been told to hold on to them until a final decision on the status of the Test is made, most likely within the next 24 hours.

CA officials were forced to discuss moving the Test to January after a united belief from players that they would not be right for a Thursday start.

The organisation has been forced to deal with an overwhelmingly emotional and logistical issue at short notice, with the likely options being to push the match back a couple of days or completely move the fixture to the New Year.

There was talk that the Gabba Test could be reportedly squeezed in between the second Test in Adelaide and the third Test in Melbourne, but that scenario wouldn't allow enough rest days in between.

All options are on the table, including the possibility of canceling the Test altogether. CA officials locked themselves in a war room, trying to come up with the best solution for all concerned.

After a day of grieving together as a team at the SCG last Friday, players returned to their homes around the country to be with their families. The squad was due to assemble in Brisbane today, but that won't happen any more and it's possible the Australian team won't come together until Hughes' funeral takes place, the report added.