Ponting will have plenty to ponder over the next couple of weeks © Getty Images Enlarge

The Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been ruled out of the first two Tests against India after an examination of his broken left thumb in Sydney. Ponting, who suffered the injury in the Champions Trophy semi-final loss to England, said the outcome was not unexpected and hoped to line up for the third Test at Nagpur on October 26.

"Missing one Test is disappointing enough so I'm obviously shattered that I won't be part of the series until at least the half-way mark," he said. "Because of the delicate nature of the injury, there's not a lot I can do until the bone is fully repaired. I'll be watching closely from home and wish all the boys the best of luck for the first two matches and I look forward to rejoining the squad ahead of the third Test."

Dr Trefor James, Cricket Australia's medical officer, said that Ponting's thumb was repairing well but he would visit a specialist again on October 14. "With the injury progressing at its current rate, we expect he'll be available for the third Test in Nagpur," he said. For an Indian team in the doldrums, and missing Sachin Tendulkar, the absence of Ponting will be some respite.