Saturday, March 8, 2008

Sachin, Ishant, Bhajji could miss First Test Against Proteas

Sachin Tendulkar wowed the country with his super show during the best of three finals in the recent tri-series in Australia. But in doing so, Tendulkar has put himself through a lot of physical pain, putting in doubt his participation in the upcoming Test series against South Africa starting on March 26 in Chennai. Not only Tendulkar, speedster Ishant Sharma (toe & finger), spinner Harbhajan Singh (hamstring) and Yuvraj Singh (knee) are also suffering from injuries which requires them to rest for a minimum of two or three weeks, which puts in doubt their participation in the Test series. Of the four, Yuvraj and Harbhajan could even have to undergo surgeries to correct their condition. All the players have been referred to Melbourne-based surgeon David Young, who has also treated Muttiah Muralitharan. In a season when India has played a total of 22 ODIs, two T20s and seven Tests since September 2007, the growing injury list is a reflection of the workload that the team has endured since the start of the England tour in July 2007. In his last fitness report submitted to the BCCI on Thursday, outgoing Indian team physio John Gloster writes that Tendulkar suffers from tendonitis in the right hip region. According to Gloster's report, a copy of which is available with the TOI , Tendulkar ‘will require a minimum of two weeks rest post tour' from aggravating the condition. "He must not allow this condition to settle into a chronic phase otherwise it may take a further two weeks to control. It is only when the pain settles that he can start deep release massage. Once he is pain free, he can commence basic training but initially only in water," Gloster writes in the post-tour rehab advice to seven players. Adelaide-based Gloster has sent the report to coach Gary Kirsten, board secretary Niranjan Shah, CAO Ratnakar Shetty, chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar, ODI and T20 captain MS Dhoni, fielding coach Robin Singh, bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad and fitness trainer Greg King. If Tendulkar's condition is a cause for worry, Yuvraj Singh's left knee continues to be under the miscroscope. He is still not in the clear as Gloster advises a strict routine which is needed to strengthen and stabilise his knee. "He must ideally have three weeks break from cricket and excessive activities. He must try to do a lot of swimming, cycling and water running," advises Gloster. But his advice comes with a warning that if the pain persists and there is swelling, it is a dangerous sign. "He must have a straighter approach when attacking the ball. He must take care while turning on the ball or else it could lead to instability which might need surgery." Speed demon Ishant Sharma's left great toe has endured a lot of stress, for which Gloster advises the tall bowler complete rest for three weeks. "No bowling and running post tour. There should be no compromise on this instruction. Allow the pain to subside and full healing to complete. As for his right forefinger, he can continue to use anti-inflammatory techniques." The central character of the tour, Harbhajan, also gets a mention for his strained left hamstring.

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