Tendulkar forced to miss MCC match

Sachin Tendulkar has been forced to withdraw from the MCC side to face an International XI at Lord's on June 14, in a match organised to raise funds for the victims of the Boxing Day tsunami. His compatriot VVS Laxman has been named as his replacement.

Tendulkar, who was to have captained the MCC team, underwent surgery on Monday for a recurring problem with his left elbow. He is expected to take around four months to recover fully. New Zealand's Stephen Fleming takes over as captain of MCC.

Despite being unable to participate in the match, Tendulkar will be at Lord's for the game, and will be involved in fundraising activities.

John Stephenson, the former Essex and England batsman who is now MCC's head of cricket, said: "I am delighted that VVS Laxman has accepted our invitation to join the MCC side in place of Sachin Tendulkar. It is disappointing that Sachin is unable to take part in the match, but it is excellent news that he will still be able to join us on June 14 to lend his support to our fundraising for what continues to be a very worthy cause."

Revised MCC squad Stephen Fleming (capt), Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, VVS Laxman, Jacques Kallis, Andy Flower, Kumar Sangakkara, Shaun Pollock, Anil Kumble, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shoaib Akhtar.

International XI Virender Sehwag, Sanath Jayasuriya, Graeme Smith, Brian Lara (capt), Rahul Dravid, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Cairns, Shane Warne, Chaminda Vaas, Mohammad Sami, Makhaya Ntini.