Australia captain Ricky Ponting will miss at least the first Test against India after fracturing his left thumb in the ICC Champions Trophy, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Wednesday.
Ponting was injured while fielding in the slips during Tuesday's semi-final defeat against England at Edgbaston. CA media manager Jonathan Rose said Ponting would return home immediately to have the injury assessed.
The first Test in the scheduled four-match series begins in Bangalore on October 6.
"I desperately want to be on the plane to India and if everything goes according to plan I will still be able to play some part in the series, sooner I hope rather than later," Ponting said in a statement.
Ponting, who went for a scan after complaining that he was in pain on Tuesday night, added: "I'm disappointed but I have great faith in all of my team to do the job in my absence."
Australia, the world's leading side, are determined to win in India after losing 2-1 on their last visit in 2000/1 under Steve Waugh. They have not won a series there since 1969/70.
Australia have yet to name a replacement for Ponting or announce who will captain the team in his absence.
