Fate of Brisbane Test undecided, India train at Adelaide

Adelaide, Dec 1:

The Indian cricket squad continued to train at the Adelaide Oval here, in another indication that the postponed first Test against Australia will not go ahead in Brisbane.

The tourists were due to fly to Brisbane Monday, but have put off travelling until the venue and dates for the first Test have been confirmed, reports The Australian.

Cricket Australia (CA) is yet to announce its rescheduling plans after postponing the first Test at Gabba, originally slated to start Thursday, as cricketers continue to mourn the death of Phillip Hughes, who died after being hit by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

The four-Test series was delayed so players could attend Hughes’ funeral Wednesday at Macksville High School.

No announcement has been made about whether the game will go ahead this week, be rescheduled for later in summer or abandoned. However, it is expected that the Adelaide Oval will host what will become the first Test.

Late Sunday, the tourists were still intending to travel to Brisbane the following day.

The change of plans suggest they are no longer working on the assumption a match will start at the Gabba later this week.

Cricket Australia and its Indian counterpart are still discussing the issue, trying to make room in a busy schedule leading up to the One-Day International (ODI) World Cup.

Australia’s Test squad travelled to Sydney following the shock death of the left-handed batsman Hughes.

The players have returned to their home towns and the next time they come together will be for Hughes’ service.

Captain Michael Clarke, a close friend of Hughes who wiped away tears to make an emotional statement on behalf of the team Saturday, has already arrived in the New South Wales town. (IANS)