Ponting suffers injury blow

It could be one of the biggest Test series ever played - so to miss the start is really disappointing Ricky Ponting Slow progress for Tendulkar

Captain Ricky Ponting will miss the first Test of Australia's forthcoming series in India after fracturing his left thumb.

Ponting suffered the injury while fielding at slip in their Champions Trophy semi-final defeat by England.

"I'll do everything I can to get back as quickly as possible, but to achieve that I will have to be guided by the experts," he commented.

Adam Gilchrist is likely to lead the side in Ponting's absence.

And the selectors will now decide whether to send a replacement batsman to India to provide cover until Ponting is able to return.

"If everything goes according to plan, I'll still be able to play some part in the series, sooner I hope, rather than later.

PONTING'S TEST RECORD AGAINST INDIA 1,230 runs in 14 matches Average 55.9 4x100, 4x50 Highest score: 257, Melbourne 2003 Highest score in India: 60, Calcutta 1998

"In the meantime, the boys know exactly what needs to be done because we have put a great deal of work into preparing for this tour."

Team physio Errol Alcott said Ponting had been in considerable pain following the game against England, which Australia lost by six wickets.

"We can't make any bold predictions about a return date for Ricky until he has seen a hand specialist back in Australia," he commented.

The first Test against India starts in Bangalore on 6 October and the home side could also be without one of their star batsmen with Sachin Tendulkar struggling to recover from tennis elbow in time.