Tendulkar's hand is pain-free following surgery
Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has no pain in his left hand, his doctor has said.
"I can press on that area and it's gone," said Dror Paley, an orthopedic surgeon at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, who operated on Tendulkar three weeks ago. "We're real optimistic."
Tendulkar will return on Tuesday for a follow-up exam at the hospital, where Paley and Dr Steven Friedman operated upon his finger on April 29.
Tendulkar told the doctors he hurt the side of his ring finger while catching the ball during a match in November.
Paley said he suffered a torn ligament and tendon that affected the finger joint.
Although Tendulkar played with the sore finger during the World Cup in South Africa, he was named man-of-the-tournament after scoring 673 runs in India's run to the final.
Paley said a splint Tendulkar wore on the repaired finger was removed about a week ago and he has regained motion in the finger. He said Tendulkar needs to continue therapy for a few months to restore strength to the finger.
Paley said his patient has not played any cricket since the operation, "but he's already played golf". He said Tendulkar told him he aims to get back on the cricket circuit in October.
Gordon may be back with Indian team
Following Sandy Gordon's successful stint with the Indian team during the World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is now considering to employ the psychologist on a long-term basis.
The South African had created the theme of 'Now or Never' for 'Team India' during the World Cup in South Africa, which took them to the threshold of World Cup glory.
According to information available, if money matters are settled early, the deal will be finalised soon. Otherwise arrangements could be made so that the psychologist could sit with the team before important series.
Gordon is believed to have shown interest in coming to India. If everything falls into place it will not be long before Indian cricketers have someone they can fall back on for any motivational problems.
Stress fracture sidelines Shane Bond
Shane Bond has a probable stress fracture in his spine which will prevent the fast bowler taking up his contract with English county Warwickshire, New Zealand Cricket said on Tuesday.
NZC said it is too early to comment on the time-frame for his recovery but the Kiwi paceman said he could be out for up to four months.
"It is going to mean a three to four-month stand down from bowling," Bond told Radio Sport.
The injury cut short Bond's involvement in the current triangular one-day series between New Zealand, Pakistan and hosts Sri Lanka.
Bond has proved a potent weapon in the New Zealand bowling attack since making his debut in the 2001-02 season.
He has taken 43 Test wickets and 51 one-day wickets, including a New Zealand record six for 23 against Australia in the World Cup in March.
Bond, 27, who had a short spell with Warwickshire last season, was due to return at the end of this month for a second stint with the club.
England wait on Hoggard's fitness for first Test
England have injury concerns over Matthew Hoggard and Andrew Flintoff before the first Test against Zimbabwe begins at Lord's on Thursday.
Yorkshire pace bowler Hoggard had an ultra-sound scan on an abdominal injury on Monday and will be re-assessed after Tuesday's practice, according to an England and Wales Cricket Board statement.
Hoggard batted on Monday but was unable to bowl.
Flintoff was also rated as "very doubtful" as he struggled to recover from a shoulder injury.
Tests last week showed that the Lancashire all-rounder, who has played 21 Tests for England, was suffering from a compressed nerve that is affecting his right arm and hand.
Surrey batsman Mark Butcher twisted his right ankle during Monday's practice session but is not expected to miss the match.
England are already without all-rounder Craig White, who has been sidelined for around three months after undergoing surgery on a rib injury.
England play two Tests against Zimbabwe, followed by five against South Africa.
