Tendulkar to be assessed by experts
Return for Nagpur Test uncertain at this stage despite using a lighter bat
Wisden Cricinfo staff
13-Jul-2005
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Sachin Tendulkar's chances of playing in the third Test against Australia should become clearer after an assessment by a team of experts, including Andrew Leipus, the physiotherapist, and trainer Greg King, in Mumbai later today. Tendulkar, who missed the first two Tests due to an ongoing tennis-elbow problem, practised for an hour on Tuesday, but refused to rate his chances of playing in the Nagpur Test.
"I have started using a lighter bat but it is too soon to say when I will be back," Tendulkar told Press Trust of India. "I am taking it step by step but I have to take the final step. I am feeling much better but the doctor has said that this injury is such that it will take time to heal."
SK Nair, the secretary of the Indian board, also indicated that a final decision will be taken much closer to the match, which starts of October 26. "He will have to undergo a fitness test two days before the match. If he's declared fit, he will play," Nair said. "We're optimistic about his chances."
Tendulkar hasn't played since appearing in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka on August 1. Since then, he has missed the tri-nation one-day tournament in Amstelveen, the NatWest Challenge against England, and the Champions Trophy, apart from the first half of the Test series against Australia.