Fielding tactics concern Woolmer

Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, questioned Michael Vaughan's controversial fielding tactics, saying he would seek clear guidelines from Test officials.

"We would like the ICC (International Cricket Council) match referee and umpires to give a clear definition of how the relevant law is to be read after what happened in Pindi," Woolmer told AFP.

Woolmer was referring to Vaughan's ploy of moving while the ball is being bowled, during his team's opening tour match against the Patron's XI at Rawalpindi last week. Vaughan, on several occasions, was seen running from slip to leg-slip while the ball was in mid-flight.

England won the three-day side match by 52 runs and are currently playing their second side match, their last outing before the first Test against Pakistan starts at Multan on November 12.

The tactic contravenes cricket Law 41, which states: "Any significant movement by any fielder after the ball comes into play and before the ball reaches the striker is unfair. In the event of such unfair movement, either umpire shall call and signal dead ball."

Vaughan defended the tactic, saying it was a smart move. "I thought it was quite smart," said Vaughan after the tour opener last week. I moved very fast, as soon as the ball had been released. If a player is going to sweep, it is an option - we'll see if we use it in the Test matches."

Woolmer wants more clarity before the Test series starts. "I can understand the principle behind the ploy by Vaughan but we have to be clear on whether the law allows such things and that should be clear before the Tests."

Woolmer, who played 19 Tests for England, said the series should be played in the proper spirit and any controversies should be avoided. Duncan Fletcher, the England coach, has defended Vaughan's tactics, insisting that a fielder is entitled to anticipate where a shot is likely to go and act accordingly.

Roshan Mahanama, the former Sri Lankan batsman, will supervise the three-match Test series and Woolmer said he hoped he would clarify the situation before the series starts.