The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Sachin targeting Feb. 22 match as comeback game, says Wright

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Wednesday, Feb 09, 2005

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Sachin targeting Feb. 22 match as comeback game, says Wright

MUMBAI, FEB. 8. Sachin Tendulkar is targeting the February 22-25 Duleep Trophy match at Meerut to make his return to competitive cricket following an injury lay-off, Indian coach John Wright said here on Tuesday.

"I spoke to him today and he sounded good, optimistic. He's just started exercising. (New physio) John Gloster is going to have a look at him tomorrow. Hopefully he's targeting the (Duleep) Trophy match on the 22nd between West and South Zones. We are optimistic," Wright told reporters.

"He had a few problems with his elbow in Bangladesh in December and was later advised rest. I am sure when it comes to the series (against Pakistan) he will be raring to go," he said adding, "We are keeping our fingers crossed."

Tendulkar had told reporters earlier he has not lifted the bat after December 27, the fifth and final ODI against Bangladesh.

Pathan's injury not serious

On the groin injury scare to key pace man Irfan Pathan, which forced the Baroda youngster to drop out of the India seniors eleven on Monday and ruled him out of the NKP Salve Challenger series, Wright said it was nothing serious.

"He felt a bit stiff just before the match and we felt that with such an important series against Pakistan coming up, it's better not to rush him. He's such a key member of the side," Wright said. "We felt he needs to bowl more in the nets and become 100 per cent before playing in the matches. We are optimistic he would be ready in time for the Trophy game on the 15th (West v North)," Wright explained. "Like Balaji, who had bowled three weeks in the nets before playing here, Irfan needs to bowl more. We thought it better to err on the side of caution. He will be here for the next 4-5 days working with (physio) John," he said. — PTI

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