The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Tendulkar not to bat in charity match

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 06, 2005

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Sport - Cricket

Tendulkar not to bat in charity match

MUMBAI, JAN. 5 . Sachin Tendulkar will play an unusual role in the tsunami benefit match at Melbourne — he will not bat, but may only field.

``I am definitely participating in the match. But I won't be batting in that game as advised by my doctors,'' the master batsman said on Wednesday.

Tendulkar will leave for Australia on Friday for the tsunami relief fund-raising match between an Asian All Star team and a World XI to be held on January 10. Having been advised complete rest by the doctors, the master batsman's contribution in the game would be restricted as a fielder.

Asian Cricket Council President Jagmohan Dalmiya told PTI in Kolkata that since Tendulkar was going through a rehabilitation programme and strictly advised not to bat for the next two weeks, he would not be in the playing eleven. But Tendulkar, if necessary will take part in the match as a fielder, Dalmiya said.

Tendulkar said he was looking forward to the match as it gave him a great opportunity to do his bit for tsunami-affected families.

``I feel happy to contribute towards the cause and do my bit. The occasion is such that everyone needs to be there and provide help,'' he said. Asked about his elbow, Tendulkar said he has been advised complete rest by his doctor.

``I have been asked to take four weeks rest and then there will be a two-week rehabilitation period,'' the champion batsman said.

``I have been given a programme which is to ensure that I am fully fit before the home series against Pakistan.''

Tendulkar was reluctant to talk about the pain in his hand. ``I don't want to talk about the pain as it's liable to reopen a can of worms,'' he said.

Tendulkar had personally called Dalmiya and expressed his eagerness to be part of the match and accordingly the team selectors kept the little master in the 14-member team.

``I was really touched by his gesture,'' Dalmiya said.

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