KARACHI, Aug 27: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said on Sunday that the forthcoming One-day International series against England will herald a crucial phase for his side with the World Cup just over seven months away.

Talking to Dawn from Bristol, where on Monday Pakistan face England in a Twenty20 International, Woolmer said his team was looking forward to playing cricket after last Sunday’s Hair-raising events at The Oval.

“It will be an important series for Pakistan for two reasons. Firstly, to return to the game and wipe out the politics which diverted everybody’s attention.

“And secondly, we need to build our tactics and formations for next year’s World Cup in the West Indies.”

Asked if the lads were mentally tuned up after The Oval match, the coach replied: “We will get there slowly but certainly we can use the mess to have some real motivation to do well.”

He described the availability of frontline bowlers Mohammad Asif, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Shoaib Akhtar as a great boost. “The return of these fine bowlers will help certainly but this is one-day cricket so different from the five-day format.”

The former England batsman warned his team not to get complacent despite England’s 5-0 one-day drubbing against Sri Lanka earlier in the summer. “Definitely, we must not relax because England will be keen to redress the balance.”

Woolmer claimed that fielding, which still is a worrying factor for Pakistan, has ‘improved’ during the Test series.

“Despite much criticism the fielding has generally improved. I get the feeling people just lump catching with fielding.

“Our throwing is excellent our ground fielding has improved and catching will always be subjective. No one means to drop a catch!” he joked.

When asked whether Pakistan were heading in the right direction with an eye on the World Cup, Woolmer believed they are close to getting there.

“There is no doubt that we have a good squad of players. We are finding out in what areas each player can be most productive.

“I believe that the next 20 One-day Internationals are important to get our strategies right and in place for the World Cup in 2007,” the coach hoped.

The one-dayers get underway from Wednesday with the day-night clash in Cardiff, followed by second at Lord’s on Sept 2 with two more day-night games at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Sept 5 and at Trent Bridge three days later. The series conclude with the final fixture at Edgbaston on Sept 10.