Tendulkar refuses to rule out Bangalore

Sachin Tendulkar refused to rule himself out of contention for the first Test against Australia which starts at Bangalore on October 6, saying that he would leave the decision to the medical staff - Andrew Leipus, the physio, and Dr Anant Joshi, the surgeon he has been consulting - who are supervising his progress. Tendulkar faced a few deliveries from the Mumbai team's trainer at the Brabourne Stadium to test his elbow.

Tendulkar hadn't practised or played for six weeks, but remained optimistic about his chances of playing a decisive role in the upcoming series. "Nobody has ruled me out of the first Test," he said talking to reporters on Wednesday morning. "I have to consult the doctors and tell them how I feel. Obviously there's not enough strength [in the elbow]. I have not played or practised for six weeks on the doctors' advice. I have to go step by step, build it up gradually."

While speaking later to NDTV, he added that the doctors had specifically told him to try and face just 20-25 balls, and take it easy. "The muscle is weak and it could be dangerous," he said. "I don't want to get another injury now. So I was told to just strengthen my muscles and at the same time build it up gradually."

Tendulkar admitted that the experts' opinion was the best guide. "I don't have much knowledge about this aspect and so I have to rely on their opinion. I am feeling OK and preparing myself to play the first Test. From a medical point of view, there is no point in landing up with another injury."

Tendulkar was at the Brabourne Stadium, wearing a two-inch brace on the left elbow and pepping up his Mumbai team-mates ahead of their three-day match against Australia which starts on Thursday. Not having played since the Asia Cup final on August 1, Tendulkar was also asked whether he would be up to the mental challenge of taking on the world's most formidable side. "I have no option," he said. "I would very much like to play as early as possible."

He insisted that he was thinking positively, despite the frustrations of missing three series. "It's difficult to sit out and it is surely frustrating. But I can't think of those disappointments all the time. I have to look ahead and if I am thinking positively, my injury will heal better. That's what even the doctors say."

Whether it be kiddology or not, Sourav Ganguly has also expressed the view that Tendulkar will have a part to play in Bangalore. It remains to be seen, however, whether he will be an on-field talisman, or a source of inspiration from beyond the boundary rope.