The Gabba Test must be played

couldnt agree more. some very ignorant, insensitive, ridiculous, comments from the silver and doc martin.

You're out of line mate. Australia's identity is largely forged through the culture of sport, cricket is our one truly national game (above soccer, above AFL), and a player who represented us all (and broke numerous records on the way to almost 10,000 first class runs before he was 26 and epitomized true Aussie spirit) has died during a first class game. This is the saddest moment in Australian sport and as sport is so important in this amazing country, is entitled to have far-reaching effects in our society. And, we haven't even mentioned the impact this has had on literally billions of people (yes, billions). To suggest people in the media are latching onto Phil's death is extremely ignorant and ill-timed and how this possibly disrespects the Hughes family is baffling. As a potential writer on this website, can you please learn to pick your spot with improved humility and grace. RIP in Phil ... just such a sad tragic event.

Are you from that board of cricket control in india or something like that. Only someone who was on that board would say that. Phil Hughes passed away 24 hrs ago, if the Australian players are not ready to play a test match then so be it. The indian cricket team should be considerate of the Australian side who are trying to cope with a terrible tragedy that has occured. The fact that the Indian team is already here doesn't change the fact that Phil Hughes has died and that Aussie players need the time to grieve for him.

http://www.cricket.com.au/news/phillip-hughes-family-want-test-match-to-be-played-australia-india/2014-11-28

How they play it will be the tribute India and Australia will give him.

The ADF forces aren't really given the tools as much as you think. The truth is no one can know how they will react when a mate is downed. But you have to get back on the horse

speak for yourself. There has been such an overreaction with the media and others who have zero interest in cricket and have latched onto the death of a fringe player. They seem to be in the process of deifying him. And the tears from people who didn't even know him. Give me a break. The way people exaggerate like "national disaster" and "the nation mourns" is disrespectful to the family.

The problem with the comparison with the ADF is that the ADF does not have a great record of allowing grief to be dealt with - that's one of the reasons why so many soldiers end up struggling with PTSD. "Getting on with the job"is great for the Army, not great for the soldiers. And even worse is the message given that it takes "mental toughness" to focus on the job and carry on - it's the ultimate form of avoidance, actually. And while it might be needed under war circumstances to continue fighting because the survivors' lives depend on it, in this instance there is no need to continue with the test match, except for financial revenue, and to satisfy the demands of some of the public who want to "move on" quickly. You are right, though, grief has no time limit or scedule - but if everything just carries on as normal, grief is often delayed for years. It is also a basic sign of respect to take some time to mourn, and healthy to experience sadness - definitely not a sign of weakness. But I expect, as is the modern western way of doing, the show will go on......

Agree with you Mike. The test has to go on. In extraordinary circumstances like threat of terrorism or players safety I can understand cancelation. Paying respect to the departed is utmost important so if the funeral is kept on Thursday the game can not start on that day. But if it is earlier than professional players should have no problem focusing on their task. If anything it should provide them extra incentive to do well. I remember Sachin tendulkar returning from world cup in south Africa to attend his father's funeral and returning evening before next game. At the level where international players are, they must be capable focusing on the job on hand in spite of difficult situation. Also let us not forget that at present there are uncertainties about Australian team with the skipper at loggerheads with the selectors and a few players named in twelve not hundred percent fit. I am not suggesting anything here but it can be misconstrued that canceling a test also helps the Australian team to recoup. Life has to go on unfortunately...

Isn't the Sydney test used for the promotion of the McGrath foundation? Given how close this happened to the first test, there shouldn't be any harm in making the first test the one to remember Phil Hughes?

I agree the Gabba test should be played, I believe it will be played with great emotion and heaviness. The Gabba test will be a test match that we will all remember forever, and every moment that happens will be remembered in that context. However I implore you all to turn on the Pakistan vs New Zealand match being played at the moment. The silence is so chilling. A wicket fell and there was no emotion or celebration from anyone. Today, and for the next few, is not the day to be playing cricket.

Dude, you already got kicked off the other forum for this rubbish. Pull your head in. There's plenty of cricket to be played over the summer. Whatever the players and family decide to do will ultimately be the correct decision.

Dr Mike - I understand the point you were making about the ADF but you have forgotten that the ADF have that mindset as a result of their occupation. Cricketer's do not. Therefore the comparison simply does not stack up. I also understand your point about allowing cricketers to make up their own minds but you have failed to grasp my point, which is that articles such as this place undue pressure on the players. Imagine you were one of the Australian players expected to play next Thursday and you read a headline " The Gabba Test MUST be played". That headline doesn't seem to reflect your point about it being the player's choice, does it?