It could be one of the biggest Test series ever played - so to miss the start is really disappointing Ricky Ponting Slow progress for Tendulkar

Ponting suffered the injury while fielding at slip in the Champions Trophy semi-final defeat to England.

"Brad's been a consistently strong player for a couple of years now," said Australian selector Trevor Hohns, explaining Hodge's elevation.

Adam Gilchrist will captain Australia in Ponting's absence.

Hohns added: "[Brad's] performances at the Pura Cup level, and more recently in county cricket, have been outstanding."

Ponting insists he can make a return before the end of the series.

He said: "If everything goes according to plan, I'll still be able to play some part in the series, sooner I hope, rather than later.

PONTING'S TEST RECORD AGAINST INDIA 1,230 runs in 14 matches Average 55.9 4x100, 4x50 Highest score: 257, Melbourne 2003 Highest score in India: 60, Calcutta 1998

"In the meantime, the boys know exactly what needs to be done because we have put a great deal of work into preparing for this tour."

Team physio Errol Alcott said Ponting had been in considerable pain following the game against England, which Australia lost by six wickets.

"We can't make any bold predictions about a return date for Ricky until he has seen a hand specialist back in Australia," he commented.

The first Test against India starts in Bangalore on 6 October and the home side could also be without one of their star batsmen with Sachin Tendulkar struggling to recover from tennis elbow in time.