I had no idea Woolmer would take charge - Inzamam

Inzamam-ul-Haq has revealed that the Pakistan board didn't take him into confidence in the matter of appointing a new coach. Speaking to The News, Inzamam stated he had no idea that Javed Miandad would be replaced by Bob Woolmer.

"Initially, I heard something about the board trying for a foreign coach. But then later on I got the impression things were settled between the board and Miandad and he would continue," Inzamam told the daily. "I had no idea Woolmer was in line to take charge of the team."

Speaking about Miandad's tenure as coach, Inzamam said: "Javed was sincere as a coach. I didn't have any communication problems with him. We collectively tried to do what was best for the team. But it is a board decision and I have to go with it. Their decision obviously is based on future planning."

Looking forward to the training camp which begins on July 2, Inzamam stated that it would give him an opportunity to familiarise himself with Woolmer's training techniques. "I will get to know what his methods are to bring about improvements in the team. But I have not had any direct interaction with the man so far in my career."

He also pointed out the difference between Woolmer and Richard Pybus, the South African who had unsuccessful stints as coach of Pakistan. "The way I look at it, Pybus was a sincere individual but he was trying to establish himself as a coach of international standing. Woolmer does not need to establish his credentials. He is a proven performer and has produced results with Warwickshire and South Africa. He has achieved results and that is his biggest strength when he works with our team."

Looking ahead to the challenges for the team, Inzamam pointed out that the most important task would be to inject more discipline and professionalism among the players. "Hopefully Woolmer would be able to introduce both these things among our players to make them consistent performers."

Woolmer's first assignment with the team will be the six-nation Asia Cup, which starts in Sri Lanka on July 16.