Shaharyar Khan defends Bob Woolmer

Bob Woolmer - 'one of the finest coaches in the world' © Getty Images

Shaharyar Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has come out strongly in defence of Bob Woolmer, the national team's coach, after they were whitewashed 3-0 in the Test series against Australia.

"There is no question of removing him," Khan told reporters. "He is one of the finest coaches in the world and his removal is not under consideration. We are as disappointed as the common cricket fan [is] here, but it's not a matter to panic over and we will not make any abrupt changes. We have to consider that this is a result against the world's best team, and although it's disappointing that the seniors did not perform as per expectations, some exciting youngsters have done well."

Since Woolmer replaced Javed Miandad as Pakistan's coach in the middle of last year, they have won 12 of 17 one-day internationals, but lost four of the five Tests they have played. And last month, Miandad openly criticised Woolmer's approach: "The problem lies in the fact that Woolmer doesn't have any idea of our cricket culture and background," he said. "Read his statements and you know this is a man not confident and sure about what he is doing."

The Pakistan squad remains in Australia to compete in the VB Series, a one-day triangular tournament also involving Australia and West Indies. Their first match is Hobart against Australia next Sunday, January 16.