Ball-tampering crisis spurs Pakistan: Woolmer by AFP

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Event:

Pakistan in British Isles 2006

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DateLine: 5th September 2006

 

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer said the ball-tampering furore that saw his team forfeit the fourth Test with England has made the tourists doubly determined in the one-day series.

 

Woolmer said his side -- who lead England 1-0 -- have become a tighter unit because of the controversy and hopes that the new team spirit will continue through to next year's World Cup.

 

"In a way it helped the attitude of the players and it's been a motivating factor for them," said Woolmer ahead of Tuesday's third one-dayer.

 

"Sometimes from adversity you draw strength and I think they have drawn strength from this particular problem and are showing it on the field.

 

"Let's hope it continues right the way through to the end of the World Cup."

 

Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is still due to face a disciplinary hearing, where he faces charges of altering the condition of the ball and bringing the game into disrepute.

 

But the 36-year-old batsman -- a survivor of Pakistan's World Cup triumph in 1992 -- has shown no sign of letting the pressure get to him and scored an unbeaten 42 in Saturday's seven-wicket win at Lords.

 

Woolmer said he was not surprised by his captain's response to the crisis.

 

"There is a lot of pressure on his shoulders but he is a strong man and he has worked through it," said Woolmer.

 

"His innings at Lord's was a very good one. He is an iconic figure; a legend in his own lifetime; the kind of man other players respond to. ``He has led them on more than just a cricketing front - it has been on a religious front and everything else.

 

"He is a genuine leader of people and the players will do what he tells them to."

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)