Sachin match fit, says John Gloster

Bangalore, Aug 8 (UNI) Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is completely fit for the coming tri-series in Sri Lanka, Team India Physio John Gloster said today.

In a chat with newspersons here, he said ''Sachin is completely fit and he is doing well in the ongoing Cricket Skill camp here. I will rather say he is match fit.'' Gloster declined to comment when asked about Team India Coach Greg Chappell's recent statement that Tendulkar's fitness was yet to be studied.

Tendulkar, who had missed the recent tour to West Indies due to shoulder injury, had been included in the Sri Lanka-bound team and was undergoing rigorous training at the camp.

Meanwhile, in the match simulation session held on the second day of the four-day camp, the players were divided into two teams--Rahul XI and Agarkar XI.

The little master scored 26 runs in 24 balls, proving himself completely fit. His 36-minute play contained six fours. He hit Agarkar four times to the fence consecutively before getting caught at mid-on by Dinesh Mongia.

Skipper Rahul Dravid retired after scoring a brilliant half century (54) facing 64 balls during his 83-minute stay. Yuvraj Singh (41) and M S Dhoni (32) were the other highest scorers for the team which piled up 242 runs, losing six wickets in the stipulated 40 overs. Agarkar XI would bat tomorrow.

Defending inclusion of match simulation session in the camp, Gloster said ''the session is a process to know the fitness of the players.'' Chappell and BCCI Selection Committee Chairman Kiran More closely watched the performance of the players.

UNI MSP RG TS1700