Woolmer hits back at Imran

Imran had criticised the Pak team management for its laxity in ensuring a lively track in Lahore.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has hit back at former captain and legendary all-rounder Imran Khan for criticising the team management for its laxity in ensuring a seamer-friendly track for the first Test against India at Lahore.

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Woolmer also said that more than the track, the players were let down by all the talk that the wicket was flat and would never do anything for the home team.

"I think it is irresponsible of Imran to say that because he should know that he should not be interfering...I know for a fact that ICC regulations say that we should not be interfering (with pitch preparations)," the former England batsman said.

"I have always been brought up (on the fact) that a coach should not interfere with the ground staff...I certainly don't believe that I should be involved," he told a TV channel.

"I do have a view on what sort of pitches Test cricket should be played on and that view is that it should be quicker and there should be little bit of grass at the beginning of the game, it should turn at the end of the game. I think the better side will then win the game."

Talking about the Lahore match, he said "I think the psychological disadvantage of this match was sitting in the dressing room doing nothing... The pitch was itself pretty flat and I suppose listening to people say that it's flat and it's never going to do anything had a psychological effect on the players itself," he said.