Donald doubtful starter for opener

South African coach Bob Woolmer said yesterday he wanted to involve all 15 of his World Cup squad in the three warm-up games against Sussex, Kent and Middlesex before taking a decision about their fitness.

8220;Their participation in these warm-up games would prove their fitness in time for the opening match against India,8221; Woolmer was quoted as saying by the local media.

In contrast, the Indians have no such worries as all members of the squad are fit and are goinginto the warm-up matches with full vigour after losing the first couple of days due to inclement weather.

Tendulkar raring to go: 8220;The boys are shaping well with high morale after strenous week-long practice,8221; coach Anshuman Gaekwad told PTI after the team8217;s easy win in two friendly matches 8212; their unofficial warm-up games 8212; at Leicester, about 200 kms from here.

8220;The players are in good shape. We have no injuries or mishaps,8221; Gaekwad said, quelling rumours back home of star batsman Sachin Tendulkar having suffered an ankle fracture.

The coach said Tendulkar was present during the second warm-up friendly against a local club in Leicester on Monday.

8220;Though we had rested him Tendulkar instead playing Ramesh, he was present throughout the match with me and was taking full part in nets and physical workouts along with the whole squad,8221; Gaekwad said describing his biggest asset as fighting fit8217;.

8220;The weather has changed, so we can practice longer outdoors. With temperatures hoveringbetween 18 and 22 celsius, it is comparatively warmer and the boys feel more like home,8221; the coach said.

Regarding the injuries in the rival camp, Gaekwad, not wishing to dwell on any weaknesses in the opposition camp, said: 8220;we are concentrating on our own game plan, anything else is a bonus.8221;

Asked how Tendulkar8217;s back was holding on, the coach said: 8220;The very fact that the player is participating in nets and physical build-up should answer the question.8221;

On the varying ratings for the Indian team from being 8220;underdogs8221; they have been elevated to 8220;darkhorses8221; and semi-final prospects by local cricket experts and bookies 8212; Gaekwad said: 8220;We are aware of comments made by the rival camps and cricket experts. All our energy is concentrated on making the squad peak for the upcoming challenge.8221;