Australian great believes individuals should be given choice to play
First Test should go ahead: Border
Update
The cricket community worldwide is in mourning today following the death of Phillip Joel Hughes, aged 25.
Cricket Australia announced the news with a statement from team doctor Peter Brukner.
Read more here.
Earlier
Former national captain Allan Border believes the first Test between Australia and India on December 4 should go ahead, but it would be a personal decision for individual players whether they take part.
The prospect of a four-Test series against India due to start in Brisbane in seven days has become trivial for Australia's best cricketers, with Phillip Hughes remaining in a critical condition at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.
More: Hughes still in critical condition
Captain Michael Clarke and vice-captain Brad Haddin have been among the many Test players to regularly visit Hughes following Tuesday's freak accident.
First Test squad members Haddin, David Warner, Shane Watson and Nathan Lyon were all in the field for NSW when Hughes slumped to the ground at the SCG after being struck by a short-pitched delivery.
"There will be guys, particularly the guys that were out on the field at the time that are named in the Test squad, they mightn't be feeling like playing cricket at the moment," Border told Fox Sports.
"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.
"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."
Former Test cricketer Damien Martyn took to social media to say consideration should be given to postponing the Brisbane Test.
With the current situation it might be worth considering postponing the first test match next week. @CricketAus #Hughes
— Damien Martyn (@dmartyn30) November 27, 2014
Cricket Australia's full attention is with Hughes, not the match slated to start next Thursday.
"In regards to those fixtures later on, that's not something we've had any specific conversations on yet," Australian Cricketers' Association chief Alistair Nicholson said on Wednesday.
Former Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy said he felt the first Test wouldn't be delayed, telling radio program Big Sports Breakfast it could give the XI a chance to go out and represent Hughes.