KARACHI, 22 June 2004 — Pakistan captain Inzamam ul-Haq says that new coach Bob Woolmer has the credentials to mould his talented but erratic side into a consistent winning outfit.

“Woolmer is someone who has proven himself in different capacities. He is a high-profile coach with a result oriented background,” Inzamam told Reuters yesterday.

Woolmer was appointed last week in place of Javed Miandad. The Englishman, who coached South Africa from 1994 to 1999, begins his new assignment next month, a few days before the start of the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.

“I am hoping he would be able to mould our team into a consistent winning outfit,” Inzamam said.

“I am sad at Javed Miandad having to go, because we had a good understanding. But it is a board decision and my job is to forge a good working relationship with him (Woolmer).”

Woolmer, 55, is the second foreign coach Pakistan has employed in the last five years following the dismissal of South African Richard Pybus after Pakistan’s elimination from last year’s World Cup.

“Pybus was trying to establish himself as a coach of international repute with Pakistan. Woolmer is already established and I think this will help him in his assignment,” added Inzamam.

The Pakistan captain also stated there would be no communication or cultural problems facing Woolmer.

“Our boys can communicate and understand with any foreigner. They are professionals and know in modern sports one has to work with foreigners,” he said.

India to Face Pakistan in Tri-Series Opener

In New Delhi, rivals India and Pakistan will clash in the opening game of a one-day tri-series, also involving world champions Australia, to be held in Netherlands in August. The teams meet each other once in the preliminary league with the top two qualifying for the final of the event to be played in Amstelveen, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said in a release yesterday.

The teams will then travel to England for the ICC Champions Trophy to be played from Sept. 10-25.

Tri-series schedule:

Aug. 21 — India vs. Pakistan; Aug. 23 — Australia vs. India; Aug. 25 — Pakistan vs. Australia; Aug. 28 – Final.