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Bob wants to 'bat big'
The Pakistani coach on Sunday admitted facing a selection worry but indicated a side packed with six specialist batsmen for the first Test.
Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer on Sunday admitted facing a selection worry but indicated a side packed with six specialist batsmen for the first cricket Test against India beginning from Tuesday.
"There is a nice dilemma in the team selection but it seems that we would have a specialist batsman at number six," said Woolmer as he weighed his options ahead of the crucial battle.
Pakistan have reasonable all-rounders in Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi but Woolmer made his choice known for a specialist batsman at number six as Pakistan look to lengthen their batting line-up which has been their undoing in the recent months.
If that is the case, young Asif Kamal should be occupying the number six spot with wicket-keeper Kamran Akamal at number seven followed by four bowlers.
Pakistan have lost six of their last eight Tests including a recent 3-0 drubbing by world champions Australia where batting was their main failing.
Woolmer though gave his vote of confidence to the batting order where lesser experienced men occupied the first three position with captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana poised for fourth and fifth spot.
"One of the things people don't realise is that most of our success in Australia stemmed from the very men at the top of the order who are now under doubt.
"If we failed in the finals, it was because Glenn McGrath was magnificent in the first finals and in the second Brett Lee bowled excellently."
Woolmer denied he was under pressure because Pakistan had been losing matches in recent times.
"I am interested in the process and am at a phase of my career where I am enjoying my involvement with the game. As for the importance of results for a coach, I remember Bob Simpson telling me 'It took me five years to produce the miracle'."
Woolmer, who has been to India a few times as coach of the South African team, said the key to winning matches in India or anywhere else in Test cricket was to bat big.
"It is true especially in the first innings. You need to get at least 400-500 runs to be in a good position to win the game. Unless the pitch is doing something, this is the total a team should target."
