Australia and New Zealand players will acknowledge victims of a volcanic eruption on New Zealand's White Island before play starts Thursday in the first cricket test.

Three Australians were suspected of being among the initial six people confirmed dead from the eruption. Eight people missing on the island are believed dead and dozens remain in hospital, including some in critical condition.

Australia coach Justin Langer said players were deeply moved by the tragedy.

Bouquets of flowers sit on one of the two tour boats that went to White Island on Dec. 9 in Whakatane, New Zealand, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. Survivors of a powerful volcanic eruption in New Zealand on Monday ran into the sea to escape the scalding steam and ash and emerged covered in burns, say those who first helped them. (AP PhotoMark Baker)

Bouquets of flowers sit on one of the two tour boats that went to White Island on Dec. 9 in Whakatane, New Zealand, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. Survivors of a powerful volcanic eruption in New Zealand on Monday ran into the sea to escape the scalding steam and ash and emerged covered in burns, say those who first helped them. (AP PhotoMark Baker)

"It puts a (cricket) test into huge perspective," Langer said. "All of a sudden lives are being torn apart. It's very sad. Our hearts go out to everyone there.

"It will have an impact. I'm sure it will affect all New Zealanders."

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said his players were upset by news of the loss of life.

Coroner Deborah Marshall and acting assistant police commissioner Bruce Bird address a press conference in Whakatane, New Zealand, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. Survivors of a powerful volcanic eruption in New Zealand on Monday Dec. 9 ran into the sea to escape the scalding steam and ash and emerged covered in burns, say those who first helped them.(AP PhotoNick Perry)

Coroner Deborah Marshall and acting assistant police commissioner Bruce Bird address a press conference in Whakatane, New Zealand, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. Survivors of a powerful volcanic eruption in New Zealand on Monday Dec. 9 ran into the sea to escape the scalding steam and ash and emerged covered in burns, say those who first helped them.(AP PhotoNick Perry)

"From our team's point of view it sort of puts things into perspective, that it is a game and all we're playing is a game," Stead said. "And when you hear about lives lost and something tragic like that, it's devastating to hear."

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This Dec. 9, 2019, photo provided by Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, shows the eruption of the volcano on White Island, New Zealand. Unstable conditions continued to hamper rescue workers from searching for people missing and feared dead after the volcano off the New Zealand coast erupted in a towering blast of ash and scalding steam while dozens of tourists explored its moon-like surface. (Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust via AP)

This Dec. 9, 2019, photo provided by Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, shows the eruption of the volcano on White Island, New Zealand. Unstable conditions continued to hamper rescue workers from searching for people missing and feared dead after the volcano off the New Zealand coast erupted in a towering blast of ash and scalding steam while dozens of tourists explored its moon-like surface. (Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust via AP)