Super Series deadline for Sachin

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given time till September 21 for Sachin Tendulkar to prove his fitness for next month's Johnnie Walker Super Series between Australia and the Rest of the World XI, according to ICC's Manager of Cricket Operations, Dave Richardson.

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Richardson told a teleconference on Tuesday from Dubai on the occasion of the announcement of the candidates for the various Hyundai ICC awards for 2005, including the Cricketer of the Year, that Tendulkar was keen to play in Australia against the hosts in the Super Series.

"He's desperately trying to get fit for the Super Series in Australia. He has had a discussion on the matter with John Wright (coach of the Rest outfit). We have given him time till the 21st of this month to prove his fitness," said Richardson.

"A few things could go against him. Lack of cricket is one. We hope he's truthful to himself and if there's any problem he will let us know so that we can name a replacement", said the former South African wicket keeper batsman.

The master batsman has found a berth in both the one-day (in the best-of-three series) as well as the six-day one-off Super Test squad.

• World XI Squads

Tendulkar, who underwent a surgery to correct his tennis elbow injury in may end, has skipped India's tours to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe as he was not confident of his elbow to withstand the rigours of international cricket.