May 31, 2006	Wednesday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 3, 1427

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LAHORE, May 30: Both England and Pakistan have equal chance of emerging winners during the forthcoming Test and One-day International series in the English summer, Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer predicted on Tuesday.

“England are a tough side and are performing well at home against Sri Lanka,” Woolmer, who joined the training camp on Tuesday, the coach said.

He said medical reports of Shoaib Akhtar’s ankle will be received on Wednesday.

The coach termed Shoaib a key bowler in English conditions who could play an effective role but all depend on his fitness.

Woolmer also praised Shoaib Malik as an opener and said the all-rounder would continue to open the innings with Imran Farhat.

"Malik is doing an excellent job as an opener while Imran is controlling the situation on the other hand.

We have no reasons to make changes in the opening pair," Woolmer maintained.

About inclusion of leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed in the side, the coach said he would talk to selectors about the possibility.

He said Mushtaq was performing well in England and could be useful for the team.

About hiring Jonty Rhodes as fielding coach, Woolmer said the decision was good as it would help players refine their skills.

Agencies add: England will be bent on avenging the 2-0 defeat dished out by Woolmer’s side last year in Pakistan that brought them back down to earth after the high of regaining the Ashes from the world-beating Australians.

Woolmer, a former England batsman, admitted that the Ashes winners would be a different prospect in home conditions, but reckoned his team had experience on English soil and would be up for the challenge.

“Playing away from home is obviously a tougher proposition although we do have a number of players au fait with English conditions like Mohammad Asif, Rana Navedul Hasan and others,” he said.

Naved has been in top form with the ball for Sussex while Asif has also impressed during his maiden stint with Leicestershire.

Woolmer said the pacemen on both sides would be key in English conditions as the ball was likely to swing around a lot.

“There will certainly be an element of that as both teams have good pace attacks, perhaps it will boil down to who bats and catches better.

“Results in the game of cricket usually boil down to the whole performance.

A lot will depend on the pitches we play on and the overhead conditions and of course how quickly we can adapt to the pitches with bat and ball,” he said.

The coach praised Pakistan skipper Inzamamul Haq for his leadership qualities.

“Inzamam has been leading by example and it will be vital he continues to do so. To add to that all our bowlers must remain fit for the tour if we are to be successful. The important factor is to get them to operate as a team.”