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| October 03, 2006 | Tuesday | Ramazan 9, 1427 |
‘England tour was big disappointment’
LAHORE, Oct 2: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said on Monday the tour of England was disappointing and though some individuals did perform well the team did not click collectively.
"The tour was tough and disappointing and performance of the team was not satisfactory. Only Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf performed well," Woolmer told reporters at the National Cricket Academy.
He arrived here on Monday to start a short three-day training camp from Wednesday for the Oct-Nov ICC Champions Trophy in India.
The coach said openers repeatedly made mistakes on the tour by selecting wrong shots and injuries to Mohammad Asif, Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik also made an impact on the result.
About the Oval's Test fiasco, Woolmer said in the beginning of the incident he was angry. But later he supported his team.
He said the outcome of the ICC's hearing was fantastic as the ball-tampering allegations over Pakistani bowlers were over.
About the forthcoming Champions Trophy, Woolmer vowed to consider every match seriously.
He admitted Inzamam-ul-Haq was a key player and his absence would be felt.
He said four bowlers — Mohammad Khalil, Samiullah Niazi, Shabbir Ahmed and Abdur Rehman — were invited to practice with the team in the camp.
Pakistan will depart for Jaipur on Oct 7.
AFP adds: Meanwhile Woolmer urged his young side to learn to live without banned captain Inzamam at the Champions Trophy.
“Obviously losing Inzamam is a big loss, both as a player and as captain, but in a way at some stage Pakistan will have to learn to live without Inzamam,” Woolmer said.
“What happened at The Oval and in the last week's hearing is now behind us. We are now focusing on cricket, with Younis stepping in as captain, and whoever steps in as Inzamam's replacement has a big challenge,” said Woolmer.
“Inzamam is a great leader of players but as I said this young team will, at some stage, have to learn to live without him. Younis will have to show he is equal to the challenge and so is the team.”
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