Woolmer appeals for cool heads

Bob Woolmer, Pakistan's newly appointed coach, has appealed for his team to keep their composure in tomorrow's must-win Asia Cup match against India. Pakistan, who were trounced by seven wickets in Wednesday's fixture against Sri Lanka, cannot afford another slip-up, if they are to qualify for the final next Sunday.

"I am well aware of the rivalries and I am aware that the cricket history of India and Pakistan has this tremendous heritage," said Woolmer. "But I am also aware that cricket is only a game. While it is a passion for people, coaches like myself have to keep calm in these situations so that we see objectively what goes on in the middle."

Woolmer came to Pakistan with an impeccable pedigree, but already he is finding that the pressures of the job are like no other in world cricket. Even so, he is remaining phlegmatic about his team's progress, and believes he is settling in nicely.

"I don't think I am on trial at all," he insisted. "The coach does not go out there and play, and therefore he shares responsibility with the captain and the players. I am still learning about the Pakistan team. I have been in the job for three weeks, and I don't have a clue about Pakistan cricket internally or the first-class system there.

"I have 14 players here who I am working with, and they tell me that there are another 36 waiting to come in. First of all I need to assess what I have and whether I have got the best players. Of course, it is important that we do well, but John Wright has been with India for four years - there is a slight difference between 14 days and four years."

Woolmer should have a wide selection of players to choose from. Imran Farhat is struggling with his left ankle and he is rated only 50-50, but otherwise everyone is fit. It is, however, the batting that is Pakistan's biggest concern.

"Funnily enough, we have only had one bad game," said Woolmer. "We played well against Bangladesh and Hong Kong, although admittedly, that opposition wasn't as strong as it is going to be on Sunday night. The reality is that the boys played very well in those two opening games and we bowled very well against Sri Lanka.

"Like any great rivalry, be it Yorkshire versus Lancashire or England versus Australia, this is sure to be a fantastic occasion. Obviously it is a neutral country which may make a difference, because if it was in India or Pakistan there might be a local bias. But I am looking forward to it - it is going to be a great game."

India have had the better of their recent one-day clashes with Pakistan. They won 3-2 on their tour earlier in the year, and also put Pakistan out of the World Cup in a turbo-charged performance at Centurion last year. But Sourav Ganguly, India's captain, was keen not to dwell on the recent history.

"The past does not matter in any tournament in sport," said Ganguly. "It will be a new day and whoever plays well tomorrow will win the game. India-Pakistan is India-Pakistan wherever you play. The results are watched by millions if not by many in the stands. The intensity and pressure of the game will be the same."

In fact Ganguly hinted that there was currently too much cricket being played between the two rivals. "But that is the way it is," he said. "It is the game that attracts people and attention, and so there is a tendency for you to play a bit too much. The itinerary is fixed and we just have to go ahead with it and play them.

"We play them in Holland and in the Champions Trophy, and then I believe they are coming to India for a game. It is going to be India-Pakistan for the most part of this year."