India tougher prospect than England, says Pakistan coach by AFP

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Event:

India in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 8th January 2006

 

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer warned his team Saturday that India would be tougher opponents than England in both Tests and the one-day series.

 

Woolmer told the Pakistani team, which had a net practice session ahead of the first Test against India which starts January 13, that last month's 2-0 Test series win against England counted for little now.

 

"Indians are more used to playing in these conditions, they have some quality batsmen and also have better spinners than England," said Woolmer, a former England batsman.

 

"I always say that yesterday is history and today is a mystery," said Woolmer, who also coached South Africa from 1994 to 1999. "We can win any series if we play well."

 

Woolmer took over as coach in June two years ago, after Pakistan sacked Javed Miandad following a home series defeat against India in 2004, their first series in Pakistan for 14 years.

 

Woolmer said Pakistan was improving with every series.

 

"When you start a series, its always 50-50 but after battling hard to win against England we have improved. Indians too are also confident after beating Sri Lanka," said Woolmer, referring to India's 2-0 win at home last month.

 

Pakistan beat the Ashes-winning England side 2-0 in a three-Test series and 3-2 in a five-match one-day series at home.

 

"I personally think the Indians will be harder to beat because the conditions are similar in Pakistan and India," said Woolmer, who blamed lack of disciplined bowling for Pakistan's defeat against India in 2004.

 

"From what I know the last time India came to Pakistan the bowlers were not disciplined. This time we will try to ensure their batsmen are not given too much freedom," Woolmer said.

 

He did not think Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar would be the difference between the two teams.

 

"We have a varied pace attack and I think, no one player can make a difference. One player can have a good day but I look to all the bowlers to deliver and that makes a team win," he said.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)