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| August 10, 2006 | Thursday | Rajab 14, 1427 |
We failed to match England’s intensity, says Woolmer
KARACHI, Aug 9: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has conceded that his team failed to match England’s commitment and intensity on the field which resulted in a demoralizing Test series defeat.
In an interview with Dawn a day after Pakistan crashed to a 167-run loss in the third Test at Headingley, Woolmer admitted his side played ‘too loosely’ to give England their first series win at home over Pakistan since 1982.
“The boys were very keen to win (at Headingley), but perhaps, played too loosely despite the fact that we had worked hard after the Old Trafford loss,” he said.
The seasoned official, however, refused to accept that it was an abject surrender by his team. “After conceding 500 runs, we did really well to get ourselves in a position of winning the Test match. But to score 323 on a last-day Test surface is never easy,” he went on.
When asked to explain the reasons behind such a dismal performance, the coach replied: “The reasons behind any unsuccessful campaign usually stem from two perspectives. Firstly, the opposition plays better cricket than you and, secondly, the losing team is not able to match the intensity of the winners.
“We dropped far too many vital catches. England were determined to resurrect their summer after drawing Test series with Sri Lanka and losing the one-day series 5-0 at home while we were unable to field our originally chosen team.
“The players worked really hard but were just not good enough when it mattered. This is not to say that they are not talented players. However, there were notable lapses in form.
“Kamran Akmal, for example, struggled to reach his usual high standards. Our bowlers too were wayward while the opening batsmen were just not disciplined enough. They all tried hard but were unable to deal with England’s desire to show that they are a very good team at home and have been for a few years.”
Woolmer pointed out that the team work and work ethic remained at a high level throughout the preparation and during the games.
He paid glowing tribute to Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf who put together a record partnership of 363 against the hosts.
“They are excellent players and two of the best I have ever worked with. They quite rightly take there place among the Pakistan batting hall of fame. I hope that their current form continues through the World Cup.”
Woolmer described Younis, the Pakistan vice-captain, as the ideal man to succeed Inzamam-ul-Haq. “It was good to see that Younis is developing as a captain and he did an excellent job while Inzy was off the field. This definitely augurs well for Pakistan's future.”
Praising Monty Panesar, the slow left-armer, he said. “I have been very impressed by Monty. He could well go on to be one of England's best ever spin bowlers. He has all the right credentials and resembles (former Indian great) Bishen Bedi in style and ability.”
Woolmer stressed that spinners perform better when they apply pressure. “That is why Panesar has been so successful. As opposed to Danish Kaneria, he has had the moments to cash in.
“He is of course very different to Danish, who in my opinion, bowled very well but always to defensive fields.”
Woolmer backed Kamran Akmal despite the wicket-keeper’s sketchy performance, both with the gloves and the bat. “I am sure Kamran will be a better player after this experience. He has worked as hard as ever but has been undone by the swing and movement of the ball off the pitch which is seen only in England.”
Woolmer, under whose two-year tenure Pakistan have lost just two series, was at a loss to describe four run-outs in the two innings at Headingley. “The run outs were disappointing and needless. But I suppose Pakistan will always be tainted with this affliction. Hopefully we will learn from our errors.”
The former England batsman said his team still has a point to prove in next week’s final Test at The Oval. “We have to play a lot better to prove some points. Motivation for the final Test will come from within a desire to prove the critics wrong and also to improve on the individual performances.
“It has been a difficult tour and England even without (Andrew) Flintoff have proved a tough and good opponent. They have, indeed, built up an excellent home record in recent years.
“We didn’t play to our full potential in the series and were found wanting. But we have no excuses and will have to get down to our disciplines and work harder in future,” Woolmer added.
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