Tendulkar will play on Friday

Putting all speculation to rest, the Indian team management on Wednesday confirmed that master batsman Sachin Tendulkar will play in India's opening match in the triangular one-day series against South Africa at the Wanderers, in Benoni, Johannesburg, on Friday.

"He will play [on Friday]," coach John Wright said about Tendulkar, who missed Wednesday's limited-overs day-night match against South Africa 'A' after having a "hint of discomfort" in his right foot on Tuesday.

Tendulkar went to his physiotherapist Mark Fergusson to have the inner sole of his right shoe readjusted.

"The inner sole of Tendulkar's shoe has been readjusted. He has been advised to practice with it before going into a match," team manager M K Bhargava had said on Tuesday.

The ace batsman has, in fact, been very cautious in looking after his affected right toe, and has reportedly brought along quite a few pairs of shoes ranging from seven to eight-and-half size with different in-step fittings on this tour to ensure he wears the shoe which fits.

Mail Cricket Editor