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[tombaan]

Of course I will bat today’

Ayaz Memon
 
   
Shortly after the Indian squad for the ODI series against England was announced, Sachin Tendulkar spoke to Ayaz Memon about why he will not be a part of the side for the next eight weeks.

There’s talk that you were very upset with the behaviour of the Mumbai crowd and that’s why you pulled out of the one-dayers...

That’s ridiculous. It’s too silly to even comment on.

When did you realise there was a problem with the shoulder?

We (including the team physiotherapist and support staff) have been monitoring it for some time. The pain’s been there, but not acute, so I continued playing.

There was no indication of this through the Test. How serious is the problem?

A small tear has shown up, which requires surgery as soon as possible.

Did you personally inform the selectors of your unavailability?

No, I spoke to John (Gloster, the phsyiotherapist). He communicated this to the selectors.

Will you be batting on Wednesday?

Of course I will bat. No question about it.

Things haven’t gone too well for you in the Tests. Missing the one-dayers must be disappointing in the circumstances...

You want to score runs every time, but that’s how life goes sometimes. Missing out on international matches is disappointing, obviously.

Being out of action for eight weeks brings you to the cusp of the West Indies tour. You hope to make it for that?

Certainly. I expect to be fit by then and ready to play.