A photograph of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes
A photograph of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes is displayed next to a condolences book at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) December 3, 2014. The funeral of Australian test cricketer Phillip Hughes began to the strains of a song entitled "Forever Young" in his home town on Wednesday as a nation united to celebrate the life of a sportsman cut down in his prime. Eight days after Hughes was struck by a ball in the back of the head and six after he died of the catastrophic injuries that resulted, his family, friends and a host of cricketing greats gathered at Macksville High School to bid farewell to him. REUTERS

This year's summer of cricket was scheduled to start in Brisbane this Thursday, Dec. 4 but as the tragic event of Phillip Hughes death still loomed over the cricketing world the schedule had been rearranged with the Adelaide Oval on Dec. 9 as the host for the first Test.

The summer Test schedule as confirmed by Cricket Australia after tackling the logistics of the problem now opens with the Adelaide Test being moved earlier on Dec. 9 of and The Gabba Test date is now on Dec. 17. The third Test on Melbourne Cricket Ground is still on Boxing Day, Dec. 26 but the fourth and final Test on Sydney Cricket Ground has been moved to Jan. 6 instead of Jan. 3.

"The extra days afforded the players are considered a vital part of their recovery process and we're pleased that our representations to Cricket Australia were met with a sympathetic ear. The reschedule at the very least presents more time for them to grieve and mentally." Alistair Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) said on Monday via abc.net.au

This echoes the words of Cricket Australia's chief executive, James Sutherland had on a previous statement to the media last Saturday said that the organisation, "couldn't or wouldn't expect our players to be emotionally ready to start a Test match the day after farewelling one of their team-mates".

Sutherland said that he had considered the sentiments of the players before going ahead with the now confirmed Test schedule. He said that it will still be the decision of any of the players should they decide to play in the Test opening in Adelaide or not.

Cricket Australia has confirmed that pre-bought tickets for the Tests are going to be honoured and that full refunds is an option. CA also hopes hotels and other similar establishment be considerate enough to accommodate the changes.

Airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar have offered assistance from refunding for tickets to waiving of booking fees for flight changes to Brisbane. A couple of these airlines had also previously extended their services to get passengers to Philip Hughes' funeral either by offering extra seats by operating larger planes instead of smaller ones, stretching the usual operating days of the week or reduced airfare rates.