Indian news round-up

Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar is expected to join the national team after their first three matches in the triangular oneday cricket series starting in Colombo on Wednesday.

India captain Sourav Ganguly said in the Sri Lankan capital on Monday that Tendulkar, who was not picked in the original squad due to a foot injury, had been recovering quickly and should be available after the first three encounters. BCCI secretary JY Lele had said last week that Tendulkar would join the team only one match before the August 5 final, against New Zealand on August 2.

"He is recovering very fast," said Ganguly. "It's good that he will miss only the first three games and is expected to be back for the remaining league matches and the final if we make it. Fortunately, it is just a minor bruise," said Ganguly of Tendulkar's injury.

Veteran Indian pace bowler Javagal Srinath has welcomed the proposal made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to introduce a contract system for cricketers in the country. "It is a welcome move. Most of the major cricketing countries follow this system. The BCCI has decided to introduce the system on its own and it is welcome. We have not demanded the scheme," he told a news agency in Bangalore on Sunday.

Srinath said the contract system would be beneficial to the players. "Anil Kumble and I have had some discussions on the issue," he said. However, Indian vice captain Rahul Dravid refused to comment on the issue. "We have discussed it. But I cannot say anything in the open. I reserve my comments on the issue," he said.

Lately, Kumble has had discussions with senior cricketers like Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, former skipper Sachin Tendulkar, Dravid and Srinath on the issue. Discussions have also been held with BCCI officials.