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In the wake of Phillip Hughes’ unfortunate demise last week, it looks increasingly likely that Adelaide will host the first Test match of the Australia-India series. As per the original schedule, the 2nd Test was due to take place at the Adelaide Oval, with the Gabba, Brisbane, hosting the first Test, starting on December 4.
But with Hughes’ funeral taking place in his home town of Macksville, New South Wales, on December 3 and with the Australian players being in a state of deep mourning, Cricket Australia (CA) have decided to postpone the Brisbane Test and are now reworking the schedule in a manner acceptable to all parties. Pushing the Brisbane Test back by a few days was an option but it would have had a flow-on effect on the Adelaide Test as well, due to there being a very little time gap between the two Tests.
India’s squad, who were in Adelaide until now, were due to fly to Brisbane on Monday for the first Test but will now remain in the South Australian capital until further details of the schedule emerge.
If the Adelaide Oval does become the venue for the first Test, it will perhaps be a great tribute to Phillip Hughes, who moved to South Australia from New South Wales a couple of seasons ago, thereby making the Adelaide Oval his adopted home ground. It would also give Michael Clarke an opportunity to get fit in time for the start of the Test series, after earlier being a major doubt due to a hamstring injury for the first Test.
First Test to begin on December 8: Reports
As per Australian cricket journalist Peter Lalor, the Adelaide Test will begin on December 8/9, followed by the Brisbane Test which is expected to start on December 17. The third Test at the MCG will be played as per schedule from December 26-30, while the Sydney Test is likely to be moved back by three days.
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