PTI
Mumbai, May 9: National selection committee chairman Kiran More categorically said it was premature to say whether Sachin Tendulkar would be available for the four-Test series against the West Indies or not.
"It's too early to say anything on Sachin's fitness. It's for team physio John Gloster and Sachin to judge. He's already started light work-outs. His cricketing ability is not in doubt and we will give him the opportunity to test his fitness.
But I cannot say more," More told repoters here.
The champion batsman is recuperating from a shoulder operation that he underwent towards the end of May and was not available for the five-match limited over series in the Caribbean starting on May 18.
"I am constantly being updated about his progress by Gloster every two days. I hope to get a report by the 20th or 21st of this month before we sit to choose the Test team, in all likelihood on the 22nd before the third ODI (at St Kitts on May 23)," the former Test stumper said.
The four-Test series against the West Indies commences on June two.
"(Opener) Wasim Jaffer is also making good progress. (Injured left arm pacer) Ashish Nehra has started bowling, I am told, while Lakshmipathi Balaji (right arm pacer) is also on the way back to fitness. All in all it's a good sign with Zaheer Khan also playing in England," More said.
The selection panel chief said ideally the selectors were looking towards a pool of 8-9 fast bowlers with a lot of cricket in store for the senior team and is happy that the board has decided to have constant 'A' team tours as well.