Lack of match practice won't affect form: Tendulkar

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar said he has completely recovered from the toe injury, and added that the lack of match practice would not affect his performance in South Africa.

"I have been playing top-class cricket for more than ten years. I don't think it would affect my performance on the field," Tendulkar added.

He said the new inner soles, which he last week acquired from South Africa, had helped him tremendously and there is absolutely no pain on his right big toe.

"The inner soles cushion the injured toe and I feel very comfortable when I run. I think I have totally recovered," the Indian batting mainstay said.

Tendulkar suffered the injury in Zimbabwe during the last league match of a triangular series against the West Indies, on July 4.

Last week, he consulted arthroscopic surgeon Dr Mark Fergusson, in South Africa, who prescribed the use of special inner soles.

"In fact, every one contributed towards my recovery, especially the people at Adidas. I wanted shoes of different sizes and styles and these people provided everything I needed," Tendulkar said.

"Mainly the orthotics, which was designed in South Africa, really worked. I have started running a bit and the doctors said I can gradually increase the workout sessions. I should be perfectly alright in a couple of weeks," he added.

Asked about the pain in his right toe, Tendulkar said: "Though I am not running hard and just jogging for the time being, I do not feel any pain. Now I will let the muscles get used to the new soles and then gradually start training hard. I don't want to push hard right now.

"Once you are mentally prepared you can overcome any difficulty, especially after playing 273 one-dayers and 84 Test matches. You can go in the middle and do what you have been doing. However, a couple of practice matches help.

"Anyway it is very important that I think positively and not worry too much over what happed in the past eight weeks; I can only say I am happy to play for the country again as I really missed cricket when all my collegues were playing in Sri Lanka though I was mentally in Sri Lanka as well."

The Indian team for the South Africa tour will be selected in Bombay on September 7.

Related reports:
Tendulkar, Kumble report fit
Tendulkar feeling better and likely to make it to SA
Tendulkar's treatment successful, says doctor

Mail Cricket Editor