Woolmer defends team

Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, defended his side from the criticism they have received after a disappointing tour to England and said that forthcoming events will help them to be better prepared for the World Cup next year.

Woolmer came in for criticism from former captains Imran Khan and Javed Miandad after the series. The former slammed Woolmer for not planning properly or having effective strategies set in place for the series.

Woolmer told Karachi-based daily Dawn, "It is easy to be critical when you lose. The blame culture remains a factor in Pakistan sport. More importantly, constructive criticism is very rare. Of course, both Imran and Javed have a right to express their opinions as does everyone. Those of us who are responsible for the team's performance have to deal with the problems as they come.

"For example, on the point of strategy. Naturally, it is discussed well before the match but during the game players have to adjust to the conditions and inevitably strategies change. Whatever happens on the field is backed by the whole team. Reality suggests that if the opposition plays better than you then you, more often than not, lose. That the team worked extremely hard and were very disappointed in the final results is for everyone to see. But there were positives and we will take them and build upon them."

Pakistan's fielding, to no one's surprise, also came in for criticism and Woolmer acknowledged that it was a serious problem. "We have a good team and they are working very hard to keep themselves fit. Fielding is a problem and we work at it relentlessly. We have good days also which are never highlighted and only the bad days are quoted when we lose."

But he remained confident that the team would be well-prepared for the World Cup next year. "The forthcoming events give us the opportunity to build the team into a better and more effective unit. Preparations for the World Cup continue all the time. If we are satisfied now then we will never be competitive enough at the World Cup."

Woolmer hinted that the national squad would be undergoing special training, similar to those recently planned by Australia and India. "We will be discussing these and other plans and implementing them nearer the World Cup. I have seen and used techniques such as these with other teams and they do help a bit."