Tendulkar, Ganguly to miss match

India's two top batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and captain Sourav Ganguly have pulled out of Wednesday's day-night encounter against South Africa 'A' Benoni with injuries.

While Ganguly is recovering from a swollen index finger in his right hand, Tendulkar was apparently having a " hint of discomfort" in his right foot after six-seven hours on the field, team manager Mahendra Bhargava said on Tuesday night.

Tendulkar went to his physiotherapist Mark Fergusson to have the inner sole of his right shoe readjusted.

However, both will be available for the opening one-day international against South Africa at the Wanderers on Friday, team sources said.

"The inner sole of Tendulkar's shoe has been readjusted. He has been advised to practice with it before going into a match. But he should be alright for Friday's game," the team manager, Bhargava said.

Tendulkar himself allayed any fear, stating that he just wanted to make sure that nothing untoward happened to him on the tour in the coming days.

"It was a kind of precautionary visit (to the physiotherapist), nothing to worry about," Tendulkar said before joining the team's practice session mid-way at the Wanderers this afternoon.

The master batsman looked in terrific form against Nicky Oppenheimer XI at Randjesfontein yesterday before being adjudged leg-before in a doubtful decision.

Ganguly was hit by a lifting delivery during the game. Although he did not have any problems during the match, his right index finger swelled up by night. An X-ray was taken on Tuesday morning.

"There is nothing to be scared of," Ganguly said. Confirming this, team physio Andrew Leipus said "Ganguly should be alright by Friday."

"He will be given treatment for the swelling to subside," he said.

Mail Cricket Editor