'Team Pakistan is dynamic, exciting' |
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Saturday July 15, 09:35 AM
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Himanshu Singhal: Welcome Mr Woolmer to CNN-IBN. Tell us something about your stint as the Pakistan coach and how has the life been so far?
Bob Woolmer: First, just call me Bob. Well it has been one of the most, I'd say fascinating, exciting experience of my life in cricket really and it's been wonderful. There has been a lot of support from the Pakistan Cricket Board which is the most important. And I have the support of the players which is the most important.
Himanshu Singhal: Bob the Pakistani side is one of the most talented sides in world cricket, but it's been one of the most mercurial sides too. So what is your take on that?
Bob Woolmer: What I've tried to do with the help of the captain and the senior players is to give the side a purpose, give the side a direction, and give the side something to enjoy their cricket and something to specifically make them into a team - to try and involve all the different types of players in the side and bring them into a team. It's an ongoing, never-ending business basically - and a lot of fun.
Himanshu Singhal: So what excites you about the Pakistani cricket right now?
Bob Woolmer: The whole thing is exciting. It's exciting to see players like Mohammed Asif come out and see what a wonderful bowler he's turned out to be. To watch Kamran Akmal become a top-class wicketkeeping-batsman. Those things are always exciting because they are happening as you do it. But really, it's such a vibrant country. There's so much happening.
Himanshu Singhal: Do you think Shahid Afridi adds value to your Test side?
Bob Woolmer: Shahid Afridi, and players of his ilk - great stroke players, heavy hitters of the cricket ball - will tempt you, they'll tease you. But they'll win you games, and not only with the bat but with the ball and also in the field. So Shahid Afridi offers quick runs, he offers dynamism. When he bowls he's likely to take 2-3 wickets from nowhere. So I think he does add value to the Test side.
Himanshu Singhal: What kind of a nurturing do you think Shoaib Akhtar needs?
Bob Woolmer: Nurturing is an interesting word. Shoaib Akhtar is mercurial, he's also dynamic. He's also a player who's had his ups and downs. Unfortunately in the last two years he's been extremely injury prone, which is difficult for him and for the team. He's gone through situations when he's been in and out of the set up because of various medical problems. But a fit and firing Shoaib Akhtar is a massive influence on the Pakistan side.
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