Tendulkar's availability still uncertain

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar's availability for the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, from August 14, will be known only after a second bone scan on his injured right toe on August 10, according to Mumbai Cricket Association joint-secretary Mayank Khandwala.

Khandwala, on Tuesday, said he spoke to the star batsman, who informed him that he is feeling much better, though he said the toe still hurts a bit.

"He [Tendulkar] told me that the padding on the right toe is still on and he would get a clear picture only after the second bone scan in the second week of August," Khandwala added.

Though the selectors will be meeting in Bombay on August 2 to pick the Indian team for the Test series, Board of Control for Cricket in Indian sources said a slot would be kept vacant to accommodate the master batsman at the last minute.

Tendulkar hurt his toe during the triangular series league tie against the West Indies, in Zimbabwe, on July 4, and pulled out of the on-going triangular series, also involving New Zealand and Sri Lanka, in Sri Lanka shortly before the team could depart.

Mail Cricket Editor