By Saj
June 17 2004

Bob Woolmer lands himself one of the toughest jobs in international cricket, as he is appointed Coach of the Pakistani team, following Javed Miandads sacking. Bob Woolmer the former coach of Warwickshire and South Africa was today installed as the new Pakistan coach following the decision of the PCB to terminate Javed Miandads contract.

Javeds position was under threat following the first ever home series defeat to arch rivals India and also the one day series defeat. What will have surprised the majority of Pakistani fans is the timing of this announcement, because most will have thought that Javed had overcome the rough waters following the Indian defeat and was all set to be given further chances with the imminent Asia Cup tournament. However the PCB and Javed Miandad have decided to go their separate ways once again.

Well what does Bob Woolmer bring to the table? Some of the most important aspects of Woolmers appointment in my opinion are the fact that he will make much better use of technology, professionalism and provide Pakistan with a much more scientific approach. Too often in the past, and even to this day our cricket is reliant upon a “see what happens on the day approach”. However one would expect Woolmer, if allowed to do the job his way by the PCB, to install a much more professional and methodical approach to Pakistani cricket. Preparation and nothing left to chance is Woolmers way.

Another important facet of Woolmers appointment is the fact that all players will be given a clean slate to start from. He will bring very little preconceived ideas of current and former players, thus giving all players a chance to impress the new coach. Whilst Miandad was accused, sometimes unfairly of a bias for certain players, nobody can accuse Woolmer of this. I am sure that he will look at each players strengths and weaknesses and assess their ability and whether he thinks they are good enough.

Another key element of Woolmers presence in the dressing room will be his calming, reassuring yet determined manner. At times one got the impression that the Pakistani youngsters were overawed by Javeds presence in the dressing room and this perhaps generated additional pressure upon them.

Woolmer is a firm believer in player fitness, both physical fitness and mental fitness. His approach I believe will be a real eye opener to some of the “old boys” in the PCB and even to some of the senior players in the current team. The fact that Woolmer will be working with a relatively young and inexperienced squad must have played a part in him accepting the offer from the PCB. Not too many of the current squad have a lot of baggage and “history”, which will work in Woolmers favour.

Pakistan have now set up the “Dream Team” of Chappell and Woolmer and have thrown all their eggs in one basket as far as the overseas coaching options are concerned. We await to see if this approach reaps the rewards the PCB are so desperately seeking.

One thing that interests me is whether Woolmer will be given a free hand by the PCB and actually given time, resources and backing by the PCB, instead of them trying to run the show behind the scenes and interfering in his innovative methods and ways.

I also believe that this appointment will be a wake up call for some of the current squad who are merrily plodding along in their comfort zone, performing every now and then, just when their place is under threat. I think Woolmer will be able to see through some of the “fake superstars”, and work and improve the genuine talent in Pakistan.

Get ready for some radical changes and some hard hitting talk from Mr Woolmer. A good decision – yes in my opinion, but at the end of the day, the coach can only do so much, and its up to the 11 men on the field to take on board the advice the coach is giving them. Caution, the best coaches do not always produce the best results.