Slow progress for Tendulkar

Any untoward movement of the wrist or elbow will be a setback Doctor Anant Joshi Ponting suffers injury blow

Indian batting star Sachin Tendulkar appears to be losing his battle to be fit in time for the start of next month's Test series against Australia.

Tendulkar has been advised not to lift anything or to drive a car because of tennis elbow.

"I am pretty conscious of what I do with my left hand. I have to be careful even while playing with my kids," he commented.

"I really want to play. I'm hoping and praying I am fit for the series."

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Tendulkar has so far missed a triangular series against Pakistan and Australia in the Netherlands, the three-match NatWest Challenge against England and the ICC Champions Trophy.

And he will definitely be unable to play for Mumbai in Australia's opening tour game on 30 September.

"It has been frustrating to watch from the outside, but injuries are part of a sportsman's lot," he commented.

India have struggled without him and if he is unable to play in the series, which starts in Bangalore on 6 October, it will be a major blow to their chances of repeating their 2001 win.

He has scored 760 runs in seven home Tests against Australia at an average of 63 and has made 9,740 runs in 114 matches overall.