Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting is expected to miss the first Test against India next month because of a fractured thumb and could be in doubt for the series.

Ponting fractured his left thumb while fielding in the slips in Australia's Champions Trophy loss to England in Birmingham.

Scans revealed the break after Ponting endured a painful, sleepless night and he was due to fly back to Australia from England for treatment.

The rest of the squad travels to India for the four-Test series on Friday.

Ponting's chances of playing in the series will be determined by consultations in Australia.

No decision on a replacement player or captain has been made, but vice captain Adam Gilchrist is expected to take charge of the first Test in Bangalore starting on October 6.

Ponting's loss will be a severe blow to Australia which is chasing its first series win in India since Bill Lawry's 1969-70 side.

"I'm obviously very disappointed but have great faith in all of my team-mates to do the job in my absence," Ponting said.

"I'll do everything I can to get back as quickly as possible, but to achieve that will have to be guided by the experts.

"I desperately want to be on that plane to India, and if everything goes according to plan, I'll still be able to play some part in the series, sooner I hope, rather than later.

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