Woolmer backs variety of options

Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, says the inclusion of four fast bowlers and five spinners in Pakistan's 16-man squad is designed to give Pakistan's bowling as many options as possible as the series against England draws closer.

In pointing out the squad was varied enough to be suitable for all types of pitches, Woolmer told The News, "We've picked a very strong squad and we've been preparing well for the series. But it remains to be seen how we perform under pressure and how the players respond to that pressure. They have been focusing hard for this series."

But he played down continuing suggestions that a decision to make spinning wickets - given the presence of Danish Kaneria, Arshad Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed - had already been taken. Woolmer said, "The truth is that we can talk to the groundsmen and tell them what sort of pitches we would like but we can't tell them what to prepare. It is their decision."

Woolmer also spoke of the decision to pick only one specialist opener - Salman Butt - in the squad. Despite having trialed nine different partnerships in ten Tests since taking over, Woolmer said, "We aim to give a pair a long run in the series. We'll go with two openers and then allow them proper chances to seize the opportunity. We don't want to confuse this issue in this series. We will not experiment in this series. We want to go with two openers and give them a proper run.

"We want to give a decent run to the openers. We want to give them confidence. Because it is toughest facing the new ball. If we can find a stable partnership in this series than we are on the road to overcoming this problem," he added. "Definitely we need a stable pair in this series because they have a good new ball attack."

Woolmer added that the issue of substitutes, which attracted increasing attention and condemnation from Australia as the Ashes progressed, was unlikely to be as contentious as issue here. England's `tactics' of letting their fast bowlers go off the field immediately after long spells, as well as irking Ricky Ponting, prompted Malcolm Speed, the ICC chief executive, to call for clearer definitions of what is acceptable in the usage of substitutes.

Woolmer, however, disagreed with Ponting, saying he felt, "England were within their rights to depute fielders when necessary. I think it is natural that during a match, because of the heat and sweat, players want to come out for a change of shirts or for a call of nature. It is not a big issue with us."

Meanwhile, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan captain, has said his side won't be under any extra pressure given the strength of this English side. "Why should we be under pressure? I don't see any reason for that; we are a good team and we'll be proving it against England," Inzamam told APP.

Inzamam added, "If someone thinks that we are the weaker side and are under pressure, then it isn't wise or fair. I've pinned a lot of expectations on my side and I'm fully confident they can respond to that."