ICC gives Tendulkar time to prove fitness

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given Sachin Tendulkar till September 21 to prove his fitness for next month's Super Series ties between Australia and the Rest of the World XI, according to Dave Richardson, ICC's Manager of Cricket Operations.

Richardson told a teleconference today from Dubai at the announcement of the candidates for the various ICC awards for 2005, including the Cricketer of the Year that Tendulkar was keen to play in Australia against the hosts in the Super Series.

"He's desperately trying to get fit for the Super Series in Australia. He has had a discussion on the matter with John Wright (coach of the Rest of the World XI). We have given him time till the 21st of this month to prove his fitness," added Richardson.

"A few things could go against him. Lack of cricket is one. We hope he's truthful to himself and if there's any problem he will let us know so that we can name a replacement," said the former South African wicketkeeper.

The master batsman has found a berth in both the ODI (in the best-of-three series) as well as the six-day one-off Test squad.

Tendulkar, who underwent a surgery to correct his tennis elbow injury in May, has skipped India's tours to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe as he was not confident his elbow would withstand the rigours of international cricket.