March 20, 2007	Tuesday	Safar 30, 1428

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KINGSTON (Jamaica), March 19: International Cricket Council (ICC) chief Malcolm Speed believes Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach who died here on Sunday at the age of 58, has left behind a golden legacy.

Former England Test batsman Woolmer died just one day after Pakistan had crashed out of the World Cup at the hands of Ireland's part-timers, arguably the greatest shock in the history of the sport.

“In some ways we can say that Saturday's loss was a great defeat for Bob and the Pakistan team, but for Bob, there's another way of looking at it. It was a great triumph because he was the man who started the ICC development programme and one of the countries he coached and coached with great passion was Ireland,” said Speed.

“When we put that into perspective, that for the first time in a World Cup, one of these countries comes forward and beats one of the full members, perhaps we can see it in very difficult circumstances as a triumph.

“Many of us had many heated discussions with Bob because he had strong views about the way the game should be developed and he played a very important role with us in those years.

“He then asked to be released from his contract with ICC because he wanted one last go coaching at the highest level and he'd been offered the Pakistan job. He undertook that with great enthusiasm and coached Pakistan for nearly three years.”

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was shattered by Woolmer’s death.

“I am shocked and badly hurt. We have lost a good coach and a good person,” he said.

Woolmer was last seen in public when he addressed the post-match media conference at Sabina Park.

Ironically, he talked of the stresses of the coaching job.

“Doing it internationally, it takes a toll on you – the endless travelling and the non-stop living out of hotels.”

West Indies captain Brian Lara, who played under Woolmer at Warwickshire, said: “He was a very focused man with a great love for the game but what shone through was the great love he had for players under his charge, everyone meant something to him.”

Pakistan’s arch rivals India also paid tribute.

“Rahul Dravid, Greg Chappell and all members of the Indian cricket team are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of the Pakistan team coach Bob Woolmer,” said a team statement.

“Bob has had a distinguished career in cricket as a player for England and a national coach for South Africa and Pakistan. He has left an indelible mark on the game that he loved and lived for.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Bob's family, friends and all members of the Pakistan cricket team at this sad time.”

Australian captain Ricky Ponting admitted that the death of Woolmer has put the significance of winning the World Cup into harsh perspective.Ponting said that he heard the news while he was in the field during his side's routine 229-run win over the Netherlands at Warner Park in Basseterre on Sunday.

“One of our 12th men bringing drinks out told us about it. Everyone just stood back in shock for quite a while,” said Ponting after his team wrapped up their second win of the tournament.

“When I was out in the field I was thinking about lots of different things for probably the last 10 or 12 overs of the game and I was also thinking of the news,” added Ponting.

“For me personally and as a player of this team, we pass on our condolences to the Woolmer family and everyone he has known over the years. Everybody was immediately saddened by what we heard.

“We have played a game of cricket, but there are a lot of bigger things happening around the world.

“There always is. We sometimes get a bit carried away with what we do in sport. But when something like this happens it certainly rams home that there are other things happening around you all the time.”

South African fast bowler Shaun Pollock, a former skipper, said he was stunned by the news.

“My prayers and thoughts are with his family. Bob was a friend and a fantastic coach who had a huge impact on my career.

“He was passionate about the game and always looking for ideas and possible innovations to improve individuals and teams.

“He still had so much to offer the world of cricket and will be sorely missed. I was very fortunate to have played under him for South Africa and Warwickshire.”

A former England Test team mate Dennis Amiss added: “The game has lost a lovely man and a top coach.”—Agencies