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First Test 'a million miles away' - James Sutherland

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News First Test 'a million miles away' - James Sutherland
NOV 28, 2014 LISTEN

Fringe Australia batsman Hughes died on Thursday, just two days after being struck in the head by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield clash.

Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland thanked people for their tributes.

Australia's Test against India is due to start on December 4 at the Gabba, where Hughes was a chance of playing.

But Sutherland said the players were the priority, not whether the game would go ahead as scheduled.

"Everyone wants to know about cricket and when it goes on and what's happening," he said.

"We all love cricket and no-one loved cricket more than Phillip. Cricket will go on and it will go on when we're ready.

"We haven't broached that subject with the players yet. We will in time. To be honest, they've got other things on their mind.

"And I know for many people seven days doesn't seem too far away next Thursday, but in other ways it's a million miles away.

"We'll get there when we can."
Sutherland said there would be a minute's silence and black armbands worn in cricket matches around Australia on the weekend.

CA's focus is on helping the players grieve and move forward, general manager of team performance Pat Howard said.

"We're going to focus on people first, rather than the cricket," Howard said.

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