Woolmer keen on shortening run-ups

Bob Woolmer: many tricks up his sleeve © Getty Images Enlarge

Recently appointed as the Pakistan coach for his technical expertise, Bob Woolmer is keen that the Pakistan fast bowlers shorten their run-ups in one-dayers. During the week-long training camp in Lahore, Woolmer concentrated on the run-ups of Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed and Umar Gul and came up with the suggestion, which, he pointed out, will help conserve energy as well as improve Pakistan's over rate.

The News quoted Haroon Rashid, the manager, as saying, "Shoaib in particular has become very comfortable with his shortened run-up which he will use in the Asia Cup. Woolmer's concept is that in a version of the game that is tailormade for the batsmen, this is the best way for the bowlers to conserve their energy, focus, and at same time also ensure a healthy over rate."

The Pakistan bowlers were guilty of sending down a number of no-balls in the recent one-day series against India, which they lost 3-2. They were also responsible for the penalty imposed on the team for slow over rates.

Haroon added that the appointment of Woolmer and Murray Stevenson, the fitness trainer, has already had a salutary effect. "From the evidence of what I have seen in the camp and by what Woolmer and Stevenson believe that this Pakistan team will undergo a major change in attitude and performance within six months' time."

During the camp Woolmer had a one-on-one interaction with each player, which included preparing a questionnaire for all. "After getting back these questionnaires he met with each player individually and discussed a lot of things openly with them. Team meetings were also organised to put things into place."

Haroon also explained Woolmer's input on the technology front. "He has introduced new technological innovations in the Pakistan team's training and preparation patterns, and the stress has been on any cricket-related exercise being carried out by the players. He also saw each player batting for about 90 minutes in the nets in different modes."

Woolmer, who had to rush to England for a short trip, will now join the team in Colombo on July 14 before the start of the Asia Cup.