Ricky Ponting believes it will be a miracle if the first Test starts on Thursday as planned, with Australian cricketers continuing to grieve the death of Phillip Hughes.

It’s one thing to say Phillip Hughes would have wanted the four-Test series against India to start as scheduled, as plenty have.

It’s another for 11 men to take the field at the Gabba a week after their close friend died.

Ponting, Test captain when Hughes debuted in South Africa, visited the left-hander in hospital on Thursday and believed the Test side would not be ready for such an occasion.

“It’s been such a tragic week for the Hughes family and the cricket community and I can’t imagine how anybody can be expected to play Test cricket on Thursday,” Ponting wrote in a News Corp Australia column.

“In fact, I don’t think it would be right.

“Even if the boys think they can play, it would be a miracle if they find the right frame of mind needed for five days of cricket.”

Test players David Warner, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin and Nathan Lyon were fielding at the SCG when Hughes was struck by a lethal bouncer.

How they start thinking about playing the sport again is anyone’s guess.

Hughes’ family will obviously influence the players’ discussion regarding the first Test, and the early suggestion is they would support it starting on Thursday as scheduled.

“I’ve heard the Hughes family are keen for that to go ahead – obviously, that’s going to be a question for the players,” South Australian Cricket Association chief Keith Bradshaw said in Adelaide on Friday.

“We must be mindful of the players and respect the players’ feelings at this time as they try to deal with this tragic loss.”

Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland noted on Friday that players were stricken with grief and the merits of playing, delaying or abandoning next week’s Test had not been considered.

“We haven’t broached the subject with the players yet – we will in time,” Sutherland said.

“It’s really important to give people time and people will respond in different ways to what they’re going through.”

Hughes’ funeral will also shape the movements of players and CA ancillary staff.

The next round of the Sheffield Shield, due to start on Friday, could also be delayed or cancelled.