JOHANNESBURG (Reuters)
Leading Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has visited a South African orthopaedic surgeon in Johannesburg to assess a troublesome foot injury that has plagued him since June. The surgeon, Mark Ferguson, has previously worked with Indian spinner Anil Kumble and fast bowler Javagal Srinath as well as New Zealand rugby union flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens, and Tendulkar consulted him on the advice of his team mates. Ferguson said the pain the 28-year-old was experiencing came from a bone under Tendulkar's big toe and that some alterations to his footwear would help alleviate the problem.

"We are hoping he will be fit for the South African series later this year. We are having orthotics (special padding) made for his shoes and boots," Ferguson told Johannesburg's Star newspaper. "Luckily, the makers of his cricket boots are in South Africa, so we are going to make some adjustments."

India are due to tour South Africa in October and will play three Tests and a triangular one-day series against the hosts and Kenya.

Tendulkar would not talk to the media, but he will be in Johannesburg until Thursday before heading back to India.

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