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Debate over whether the first Test between Australia and India should be abandoned after Phillip Hughes' head injury

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News Debate over whether the first Test between Australia and India should be abandoned after Phillip Hughes' head injury
NOV 27, 2014 LISTEN

Doctors are expected to say more about the condition of the stricken South Australian batsman on Thursday.

Australia captain Michael Clarke has arrived again at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, along with other teammates and national team support staff, including Western Australia coach Justin Langer and Victorian players Matthew Wade and Aaron Finch.

The 25-year-old has undergone surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, and doctors said they expected to know the outcome of the procedure by Thursday.

The Australian team's preparations for the first Test have been put on the back burner as stunned players and the wider cricket community rallies behind Hughes.

Test players Brad Haddin, David Warner, Shane Watson and Nathan Lyon were all within metres of the pitch when Hughes was struck down.

Speaking on Fox Sports, former Test player Brendan Julian said it would be difficult for those players to focus on the series opener against India, which starts next Thursday.

Julian added that Cricket Australia should consider postponing or abandoning the Test match, pending any change in Hughes' condition over the next 24 hours.

"I think it would be very hard for the players to get up. I cannot see those players being ready to get on a plane and go to Brisbane," he said.

"Cricket Australia is not going to want to make a decision now. But there is real potential for the match to be abandoned."

A media throng outside the hospital is expecting Cricket Australia doctor Peter Brukner to provide another update later on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Allan Border believes the Gabba match should go ahead.

But the former Australian captain said it would be reasonable for any player to stand aside as they dealt with the tragedy.

"I get the feeling that Phillip would want the game to go ahead. But if the individuals don't feel up it, then so be it," Border said.

"You'd understand if they wanted to pull out. But I think the game should go ahead.

"We're all a bit numb at the moment."
Cricket Australia on Wednesday called off the entire round of Sheffield Shield matches out of respect for Hughes.

At this stage, Friday's tour match between a Cricket Australia XI and India and the next round of Sheffield Shield matches, scheduled to begin the following Friday, will go ahead.

That is according to Australian Cricketer's Association chief Alistair Nicholson.

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