Tendulkar rated 50-50 chance for third Test

Sachin Tendulkar's chances of playing in the third Test at Nagpur, starting on Tuesday, have skyrocketed after his first net session in nine weeks. Tendulkar is rated a better than 50-50 chance and one Indian team source said he would be "stunned" if he was ruled out again.

Tendulkar was unable to drive, open doors, lift his children or even sign autographs with his left hand when his tennis elbow was at its most painful. But he seems certain to return for the final Test in Mumbai, when the Australian captain Ricky Ponting is expected to make his comeback from a broken thumb.

"I have started using a lighter bat but it is too soon to say when I will be back," Tendulkar said. "I am feeling much better but the doctor has said that this injury is such that it will take time to heal. I am keeping my fingers crossed."

Tendulkar has not played since the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka on August 1.