Woolmer offers olive branch

Bob Woolmer, Pakistan's newly appointed coach, has offered an olive branch to his angry predecessor Javed Miandad, by asking for his help in carrying the team forward.

Miandad was yesterday relieved of his duties, just one year into his third term as Pakistan's coach, and replaced by Woolmer, who had previously been the ICC's high-performance director. It was a decision that enraged Miandad, who described the Pakistan Cricket Board's actions as "unethical".

Woolmer, however, is keen to make his peace with a man who remains one of the most powerful figures in Pakistan cricket. "I know Javed is not a happy man at the moment, but I would like his input," Woolmer told BBC Sport. "He would be very important in guiding me on how to run the show."

"I played against Javed, I've been to his house in Pakistan for a meal,and he would be very important," Woolmer added. "It's his decision, but along with others in the country his advice would be invaluable. It's up to me to sift through the advice, and bring the whole of Pakistan cricket together."

Miandad has already refused an offer from the PCB to become their national advisor on cricket development, but he has already wished Woolmer all the best in the new job. "He is a foreign coach," said Miandad, "and I wish him the best of luck on his assignment. It is going to be a tough one."