No love lost over Inzamam's run out row: Woolmer by AFP

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Ground:	Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Scorecard:	Pakistan v England
Player:	Inzamam-ul-Haq
Event:	England in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 28th November 2005

 

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer Sunday played down the row over captain Inzamam-ul-Haq's run out dismissal in the second Test against England.

 

"I wasn't referring to Steve Harmison," Woolmer said ahead of Tuesday's third and final Test.

 

"I think it's the general practice that fielders throw at the batsman and it is not just England. Even the Pakistan team has done this."

 

England paceman Harmison stopped a bowler's back drive and threw the ball at the striker's end during the second Test on Monday.

 

In an attempt to avert injury, Inzamam stepped out of the crease and was adjudged run out by television umpire Nadeem Ghouri of Pakistan.

 

Inzamam had described the decision as "surprising."

 

"I think rules say that when a batsman tries to save himself from getting injured by a throw and steps out of the crease he is not out," Inzamam had said.

 

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also conveyed their concern to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over Inzamam's dismissal, saying it was against the rules.

 

Woolmer said he had never referred to Harmison as such and played down the row.

 

"Both teams have played cricket in good spirits. It was an incident and I don't want to say anything more on it," said Woolmer, a former England batsman.

 

The Pakistan coach was disappointed over all-rounder Shahid Afridi's damaging the pitch during the second Test.

 

"I told Afridi that it was indiscretion and he was apologetic," said Woolmer.

 

Afridi, who was banned for one Test and two one-day internationals by the ICC, apologised to the England team.

 

The PCB had also warned Afridi over the incident but did not take any further action after holding a separate inquiry on Saturday.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)