Tendulkar uncertain for Hamilton ODI

Christchurch, Mar 9 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar's abdomen
injury is not as serious as initially feared but there is
still a question mark on whether the champion batsman will
take part in the fourth cricket one dayer against New Zealand
in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Tendulkar, who retired hurt after belting a stunning 163
in the third ODI, underwent an MRI scan at a local hospital
here.

Although the team management did not divulge the scan
result, it is learnt that the extent of damage in his
abdomen was not as bad it had been feared to be.

But a final call on his availability for the match is
expected to be taken Tuesday after the practice session. Some
of Tendulkar's teammates indicated that he may play the match
but there was no official word from the team management yet.

The Mumbaikar, who has scored a record 43 one-day
hundreds, is said to be a lot more comfortable than he had
been Sunday night.

The 36-year-old batsman has been among the runs in all
the three ODIs played so far, bettering his 20 at Napier with
a 61 in the rained-out match at Wellington.

Interestingly, while Tendulkar and team doctor Nitin
Patel were at the hospital, the rest of the team had a day out
in the hills adjoining Christchurch.

They went for a mountain drive, rollicking up an down the
bumpy slopes in six-wheeled vehicles. Later, they had a swell
time, speed jetting at the Waima waters.

Having earned a good outing for outstanding shows on the
field, the team moves to Hamilton tomorrow for the battle of
Seddon Park. PTI JH
DEP
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