Cricket: Aussie now turn attention to test

A couple embraces as mourners gather at the Sydney Cricket Ground to watch the funeral for cricketer Phillip Hughes in Sydney. Photo / AP.

After the emotion of Phillip Hughes' funeral, Australia's cricketers now face the testing task of preparing for next week's first Test in Adelaide.

A who's who of past and present cricketers joined locals in farewelling the 25-year-old in Macksville on the NSW north coast on Wednesday.

But with the schedule already shunted back to allow players time to mourn, the show must now go on for the distraught playing group.

Not that thoughts of Hughes will be far from the team during a busy summer that includes a home World Cup campaign.

The first Test against India starting in Adelaide on Tuesday will be particularly poignant as it will be played at Hughes' adopted Adelaide Oval.

"Cricket is possessed of a rich poetic heart. But today that heart is heavy with sorrow," Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said at Hughes' funeral.

"Cricket's heart has been pierced by pain but it will never stop beating. It will find its rhythm next week in Adelaide and beyond."

Following Wednesday night's wake in Macksville, the players are due to fly out of Coffs Harbour on Thursday.

Among them will be Test captain Michael Clarke, who delivered an emotional tribute to his brother at a packed Macksville Recreation Centre on Wednesday.

"We must play on," Clarke said, who also completed the duties of pallbearer.

"So rest in peace my little brother, see you out in the middle."

-AAP