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Bad back could rule Sachin out

Gloom descended on the Indian cricket team today after reports surfaced that captain and batting ace Sachin Tendulkar suffered a recurrence of his back pain, which could rule him out of the tri-series against Sri Lanka and Australia in Colombo.

Confirming the news that Tendulkar "had stiffness in his back" after a practice session at the Madras conditioning camp yesterday, team coach Anshuman Gaekwad said the team management will decide later this evening whether the skipper will make the trip or not.

Gaekwad said Tendulkar has been advised rest. "He is consulting experts and the medical report will be available this evening," he added.

Asked if there will be a replacement, Gaekwad said: "We want Sachin in the team. The selectors have been apprised of the situation."

He dismissed a suggestion that Tendulkar and Ajit Agarkar's recurrence of injuries were due to too much cricket. "They have been having workouts for the last two months. Sachin has been playing badminton and has shed some weight too. He was fully fit till yesterday," he added.

UNI