Sachin to play for Lashings World XI

Sachin Tendulkar will make his comeback from injury and prepare for India’s tour of Sri Lanka with low-key cricket against English college teams with celebrity team Lashings.

The Lashings World XI received a boost today as David Folb, their chairman, announced that Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has agreed to play three matches for the team in 2008 as part of his build-up to India’s forthcoming Test and One-Day series against Sri Lanka.“Tendulkar’s short stint at Lashings is currently scheduled to begin at Eastbourne College on June 24 with his other two appearances likely to be against St. Bede’s School in Sussex on June 27 and the Leigh Technology Academy July 4,” Folb said.The legendary batsman has used these kinds of matches with Lashings previously as a way of finding form and fitness. The inferior opposition won’t be at all important to him - it is just the time in the middle that will matter to him and the Indian selectors.Tendulkar, 35, is not currently involved with India’s tri-series against hosts Bangladesh and Pakistan because of a groin injury. He will also miss the Asia Cup later this month.India’s first match in Sri Lanka is a three-day game on July 18, before three Tests and five one-day internationals.