Doctors have told Australia captain Ricky Ponting his broken thumb is not as bad as initially thought and will not require surgery.
However, team doctor Trefor James said Ponting would still need time out to let the injury heal and was almost certain to miss the first Test against India in Bangalore starting on October 6.
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"Fortunately, the specialist has advised that the bones are sitting well and surgery will not be necessary. But it is difficult at this stage to assess how long will be needed before he can resume playing."
Ponting fractured his left thumb while fielding in the slips during Tuesday's ICC Champions Trophy semi-final defeat by hosts England in Birmingham.
While the rest of the team flew straight to India to begin preparations for the four-Test series, Ponting returned to Australia.
Cricket Australia announced on Thursday that uncapped Victoria batsman Brad Hodge would fill in for Ponting in India while Adam Gilchrist will take over the captaincy.
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