Tendulkar refuses to set time frame

Sachin Tendulkar today expressed satisfaction with the progress in his fitness programme but refrained from committing...

Sachin Tendulkar today expressed satisfaction with the progress in his fitness programme but refrained from committing whether he thinks he will be able to play the Test series against the West Indies next month.

The 33-year-old batsman, who underwent a shoulder surgery in March this year, said it was not possible to put a time frame for recovering from such injuries and his availability for the Test series would be known only after he undergoes the fitness test on May 23.

8220;There is no time frame as such. It is a matter of strength levels. When you strengthen you got to have time for recovery for the muscles to relax and get time for another session. The resting period is also important. I am working on it,8221; Tendulkar told a press conference here.

When asked specifically whether he was ready to make the trip to the West Indies for the four-match Test series, the batsman avoided a direct reply and said his fitness test in Mumbai on May 23 would provide the answer. 8220;I am preparing to the best of my ability and the trainer and physio are here with me. We are working two sessions a day.

8220;But I still have to undergo a fitness test in Mumbai on May 23. After that I will be able to let you know whether it going to the West Indies is happening or not. Before that to give my judgement is not the right thing to do,8221; said Tendulkar.

A discussion with Dr Andrew Wallace, the London doctor who conducted the shoulder surgery, would help him make the final decision. 8220;He Wallace knows what has been done inside the body. The physio and the trainer can only make things better for me and the progress is in the right direction. But eventually it is important that I also meet Andrew Wallace and figure out what is happening and how I am progressing.

8220;Whether I am going or not going to the West Indies, I will still meet him and figure out because this programme was decided much earlier when I was operated on in March,8221; Test cricket8217;s highest century-maker said.

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8220;Since May 15, I have progressed quite a bit. Ramji Srinivasan and Andrew Leipus have really worked hard with me. They introduced several strengthening exercises, which have actually helped me to develop strength, obviously not to the level of competing right now. But it is getting much better day by day. There is noticeable difference,8221; Tendulkar said, adding he did not feel any discomfort while taking catches.

8220;It the shoulder can be stronger to be able to bat at that level international matches. It is going to take bit of time. I am just going to work on it basically,8221; Tendulkar said.

8220;Many strengthening sessions will surely improve the strength level and stability in my shoulder and also the biceps,8221; he added.

8220;Eventually, I have to be comfortable with whatever bat I play with. So, I will decide,8221; he said.