ISLAMABAD, Oct 31: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said on Monday the regular use of substitutes would not be an issue during the home series against England. England’s use of substitute fielders caused a row in the recent Ashes series against Australia, but Woolmer said the rules were plain and simple and he does not want the issue blown out of proportion.

Australia captain Ricky Pointing described England’s repeated use of replacements as a “disgrace” and prompted the International Cricket Council (ICC) to say it would debate the law governing use of substitute fielders.

He accused England coach Duncan Fletcher of manipulating the ICC regulations and violating the spirit of the game, but Woolmer disagreed.

“I disagree with him,” Woolmer said. “I think England was within their right to depute fielders,” he said.

“I think it is natural that during a match, because of the heat and sweat, players want to come out for a change of shirts or for the call of nature. It is not a big issue with us.”

England’s bowlers left the field regularly for short periods after their spells in the 2-1 Ashes series win.—Reuters