Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes that the Baggy Greens' first Test match of their series against India should be postponed due to the death of batsman Phil Hughes.

Hughes passed away on Thursday after being struck on the head by a cricket ball earlier in the week while batting for the West End Redbacks against the New South Wales Blues.

Captain Michael Clarke has admitted that the Australian team are devastated by the death of Hughes, and his predecessor in the role feels that it would be difficult for the Baggy Greens to concentrate on the match in light of the circumstances.

Ponting told reporters: "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. 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."

Australia are due to play India in the first Test on December 4.