NEW DELHI, Sept 14: India batsman Sachin Tendulkar has been given a week to declare himself fit for next month’s Super Series matches in Australia, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Wednesday.

Tendulkar, 32, is part of both World teams which clash with Australia in three one-dayers and a six-day Test match, but slow recovery from a tennis elbow surgery has raised doubts about his availability.

Dave Richardson, the ICC’s manager of cricket operations, said Tendulkar would have to prove his fitness by September 21 if he was to take part in the series.

“Tendulkar is desperately trying to get fit for the Super Series in Australia,” Richardson said in Dubai.

“He has had a discussion on the matter with John Wright (coach of the World teams). We have given him time till the 21st of this month to prove his fitness.

“A few things could go against him. Lack of cricket is one. We hope he is truthful to himself and if there is any problem he will let us know so that we can name a replacement.”

The three one-dayers are to be played at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne on Oct 5, 7 and 9 and the six-day Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from Oct 14-19.

Two current Test captains, Inzamamul Haq of Pakistan and England’s Michael Vaughan, who were both surprisingly omitted from the original squads, are standing by in case Tendulkar decides not to play.—AFP