It’s one thing to say Phillip Hughes would have wanted the first Test to proceed as planned.
It’s another for 11 men to take the field at the Gabba a week after their close friend died.
Australia’s Test squad should have been wrapping up Sheffield Shield games on Friday and preparing to travel to Brisbane.
Instead they assembled in Sydney, still in shock over the death of Hughes.
They are stricken with grief and the merits of playing, delaying or abandoning the start of a four-Test series against India are yet to be considered.
“We haven’t broached the subject with the players yet – we will in time,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said on Friday.
“It’s really important to give people time and people will respond in different ways to what they’re going through.”
Sutherland noted that day one of the first Test may be under a week away, “but in other ways it’s a million miles away”.
Sutherland’s colleague Pat Howard added CA must wait until players “are in a position where they can make strong choices”.
“That’s not now,” Howard said.
Hughes’ family will obviously influence the players’ discussion regarding the first Test.
“I’ve heard the Hughes family are keen for that to go ahead, obviously that’s going to be a question for the players,” South Australian Cricket Association chief Keith Bradshaw said in Adelaide.
“We must be mindful of the players and respect the players’ feelings at this time as they try to deal with this tragic loss.”
Test players Brad Haddin, David Warner, Shane Watson and Nathan Lyon were all in the field for NSW when they watched Hughes slump to the ground after being struck on Tuesday.
When and how they will start thinking about playing the sport again is anyone’s guess.
Hughes’ funeral will also shape the movements of players and ancillary staff.
The Gabba is taking direction from CA regarding the first Test, while the ground and Queensland Cricketers’ Club have both setup tribute areas for Hughes.
Cricket Australia director Mark Taylor told the Nine Network the first Test could be the most fitting tribute of all.
“It would be great for the Test match to go ahead so people could come out and share the mourning of the loss of Phillip,” Taylor said.
“There’s a lot to be discussed over the next probably three or four days before a decision will probably be made next week.”
India will have a centre-wicket practice session on Saturday and fly to Brisbane on Monday.
Sutherland thanked the tourists for their recent support, noting their “understanding and empathy has been outstanding”.
India are set to train at the Gabba on Tuesday and expect the first Test to start two days later.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was among many doubting whether that will, or should, happen.
“Nobody would be in the right frame of mind,” Gavaskar said.
Given the upcoming jam-packed schedule, it would be difficult to reschedule the first Test this summer.
It means if the match does not go ahead, it is likely to be abandoned.
Little room in Test series schedule
*Dec 4-8: First Test in Brisbane
*Dec 12-16: Second Test in Adelaide
*Dec 26-30: Third Test in Melbourne
*Jan 3-7: Fourth Test in Sydney
*Jan 12: India warm-up match for tri series in Sydney
NB: The only potential slot in the schedule is Dec 19-23. Players would only have two days off after the Test in Adelaide and before the Test in Melbourne, so it will not happen.
Viren
Guest
+1. Astounding leadership shown by Clarke the last few days. My respect for the man goes up every passing day.
Jo M
Guest
But how good was he though. All those that say he is no leader should just pack their bags and go away. They don't have the first clue.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
No details yet when it will start.
George
Guest
Do yourselves a favour and watch the final day of the womens ASP 2014 surfing tour in Maui. Those ladies are bloody brave, fantastic surfers, emotional, great sportspeople who just love doing what they do, and love each other too. Steph won a 6th title, but Tyler Wright just missed out but handled it with an enormous smile and like it was a good excuse to go have some fun. Sally Fitz had a chance to win the title but didn't quite make it, not sure I've seen a more devastated look on a person's face - but she was soon smiling again. I'm severely jealous of them. I had a tear in my eye for about 4 hours. Wow. A wonderful Roarer poster put it nicely today - sport is supposed to take you away from the realities of real life. I live in Canberra and am as sore as buggery, I visited Hawaii today and felt like I was catching the waves with the girls (apart from the fact that I'd be too scared to catch those waves in reality).
Shortfineleg
Guest
http://www.cricket.com.au/news/hughes-funeral-first-test-postponed-announcement/2014-11-29 Gabba test postponed - official announcement.
Shortfineleg
Guest
Well said! Only thing is - I don't think they should wedge another in. 3 is fine.
Spanners
Guest
The players don't want to play. Period. Here is a question. what sort of test do you think we would see in 5 days time? You only have to look at the Kiwis, who are significantly less invested, wanting to cancel the current test v Pakistan. Watch footage of the match and there is zero celebration after a wicket, zero emotion (except for the thick gloom that is hanging over the match). They are just going through the motions, just wanting to get to the finish. The Aussies will be like this, except times 10. I can't see how they will do Hughes memory any good by trying to play a test they clearly aren't up for. I have flights booked, accomm paid and 5 days of tickets pre-paid, and I would rather not see the test go ahead. Play the Brisbane match between the 2nd and 3rd test.
13th Man
Guest
Perhaps it would be right to cancel the GABBA Test and start in adelaide given it is where Phil was playing cricket and have his tribute match there
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
Maybe so. Just never wanted to see an Australian captain have to go through that with the cameras in his face. It could have waited a day or two.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Not just you mate, well said.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
If all the players want to play, let the game go ahead. But if not all want to play, replace the game with a CA XI four or five day game with the test. This gives the Indians a game and their broadcast sponsors a game as well.
Barry
Guest
I would happily bet you that the person that thought it was a good idea was Michael Clarke. I doubt very much that he would have wanted someone else, someone not emotionally involved, reading a tribute to his friend. It would have been like having a stranger deliver the eulogy at a funeral.
George
Guest
Cricket played by most of us is a game, but there are a small number (100-150) for which cricket is a profession. The Indians just don't play very well when they're away from home, and these games are usually boring anyway. If we can't get the majority of our cricketers to play in next week's test, call it a draw, and play a couple of one-dayers or T20's - the man himself would have loved to have played.
Bearfax
Guest
I for one have lost interest in cricket for the moment so if its played I wont be watching. No doubt this will change in coming weeks but for now, I'm too saddened by the loss of a great young cricketer and man. If others want to watch it, fine, but I think I share a number of posts in expressing a sense that it is way too soon. I mean its only a game. Hughes was a real person.
Shortfineleg
Guest
And SS, I appreciate your posts, and I very much agree with this one. And this is why a 5 day test and everything that goes with it off and on the field - is too much.
Shortfineleg
Guest
I think on pure logistics, it is nigh impossible to run the test. There will be the funeral, the State memorial service at the SCG, and other ceremony. You can't expect players to play a test match Thursday. And you have OHS issues. Is a player's focus on the match? And of course the rawness, the grieving, its too too much. A tour warm up Sat and Sun is the likely landing point.
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
and in addition, whoever thought it was a good idea to send the Australian captain out to face a press conference and read a statement in his condition has to have their head examined. Clarke was clearly not ready for that and still in a much too shocked and emotional state.
JGK
Roar Guru
I still think abandon it. Organise an academy game for the Indians in lieu and let the Aust players have a decent preparation for the Adelaide test.
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
Up to the players. Its only Saturday. See how they are on Monday or Tuesday. Make the decision then
RT
Guest
It should be cancelled. No doubt.