LONDON, 20 June 2006 — Sachin Tendulkar is to make his return to cricket by playing several matches for an English All-Star team starting tomorrow.
The India batting hero, who underwent shoulder surgery in March, was forced to skip seven one-dayers at home against England before being ruled out of the ongoing tour of the West Indies.
Now he hopes to begin his comeback by playing five matches for the Lashings World XI, a team featuring former internationals such as West Indies duo Richie Richardson and Courtney Walsh that plays charity matches.
“This is a great opportunity for me to get back into cricket, to get some batting practice, and to play matches for Lashings World XI that will help to raise money for charity,” Tendulkar said. “I get the chance to play alongside internationals players, but not in games where every run counts. The no pressure, relaxed environment of Lashings World XI will be a great way to work on my game and get back to match fitness.”
Tendulkar’s first match for his new side will be against Cambridge University tomorrow.
The 33-year-old will then face Reigate CC on Sunday, June 25, before taking on Middleton CC in West Sussex the next weekend. He will conclude his stint with Lashings against Sutton Valence School in Kent, southeast England, on July 6.
Tendulkar holds the world record for Test match hundreds with 35 and was the first batsman to score 50 centuries in all international cricket. In 132 Tests he has scored 10,469 runs at an average of 55.39 with a best of 248 not out. His 362 One-Day Internationals have yielded 39 hundreds and 14,146 runs in all at an average of 44.20, an unbeaten 186 his highest score.
