Tendulkar expected to be fit for Hamilton ODI

With his abdomen injury not looking as serious as initially feared, Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar is expected to play the fourth 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 expected to be.

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

The 36-year-old 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.

The team management has 24 hours more to take a call on his fitness. 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.