Miandad to assist Woolmer

Javed Miandad, the former coach of Pakistan, has offered full support to Bob Woolmer, his successor. Woolmer had earlier stated that he would ask former Pakistan coaches for advice, and spoke specifically about consulting with Miandad.

"Woolmer and I share a long-time friendship," Miandad said, according to an AFP report. "And since he sought my advice I invited him for a dinner Tuesday night and we exchanged thoughts over coaching Pakistan. Our aim is the same - to move Pakistan cricket forward." He spoke about his position in the team management. "I am not the coach, but I will be there as part of the coaching team."

Miandad's decision to support Woolmer came as a surprise, for he had earlier questioned the feasibility of a foreign coach training the Pakistan team. They just wouldn't be able to communicate, he had said. But after speaking to Woolmer, Miandad hoped the players would take his advice. "I hope the players listen to him and [Woolmer] succeeds in coaching because there are no secrets involved."

Woolmer's appointment, though criticised in some quarters, was also hailed by many in Pakistan, for he is seen as a non-political person. His first assignment with the team will be the Asia Cup, which starts on July 16 in Sri Lanka.