Tendulkar unlikely to participate in Test series

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar is unlikely to participate in the three-Test series in Sri Lanka as the pain in his right toe still persists, according to Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) sources here today. "The hairline fracture to his right toe is healing very slowly and with the second bone scan scheduled on August ten it is unlikely that he will take part in the Test series starting on August 14", the sources said.

"However, we will get a clear picture only after the bone scan is done and if he is ruled out of the series then he might attend the BCCI's Working Committee meeting at Baroda on August 11", the source added.

Sports medicine expert Dr Anant Joshi, who is treating Tendulkar, said it was difficult for him to say anything now and added that he would like to comment about the progress shown only after the second bone scan.

Tendulkar had sustained the injury during the triangular series in Zimbabwe in the last league match against the West Indies on July four and missed the recently concluded Triangular series in Sri Lanka.