Tendulkar back to fitness

Tendulkar is cricket's most recognisable star

Sachin Tendulkar, who has been a notable absentee during India's one-day series against West Indies, will be fit enough for the two-month tour of New Zealand.

The world's number one cricketing icon will join a side who will also welcome back the rapidly-improving left-arm seam bowler Zaheer Khan.

Tendulkar's hamstring and Zaheer's shin have both responded well to treatment and India should be at full strength for the tour.

India will play two Tests and seven one-dayers on their tour. The first Test, in Wellington, is on 12 December.

The New Zealanders have only recently resolved a major pay row which saw players threatening to go on strike.

Star all-rounder Chris Cairns, who has played no cricket since March, is desperately trying to get himself fit enough to play international cricket again.

Of more pressing concern to Indian fans is the deciding match in the one-day series against West Indies, in Vijayawada on Sunday.