Woolmer

[greg]

I think his style as a coach is working.The performance of Pakistan in this game was very much the same as his old South Africa side.You may not have the best 11 players in the world but you will fight for everything and never give up.The only thing he needs to do is add some extra depth to the batting by finding bowlers who can bat and Pakistan will have a bloody good side.
In years gone by Pakistan would have rolled over and died after day 2 when they looked like they were out of the game and probably lost by an innings but Woolmer has got them straining every sinue to get the best they can do.
He must be a good coach as he got Shoaib back out on the field after he hobbled off.In previous years that would be it for the series with him but Woolmer is great at man management.

You can also see that he is finding players with similar characters to his old South Africa side.
Butt = Kirsten
Akmal = Boucher
He will try to make Shoaib his Donald,Shabbir his Pollock (not with the bat obviously) and Razzaq his Klusener.
He also has a trump card in Kaneria,a quality spinner was something he never had with South Africa.Probably the reason they never caught Australia.

[Maranello]

Good thread Greg. I agree that Woolmer's influence has been immense, as has that of Shehryar Khan who has put the infrastructure, extensive support team and professionalism in place which allows a guy like Woolmer to shine. Of course, the main man is still Inzamam - easily the most respected Pakistan captain since Imran, both by his team and by opponents, and one who leads from the front. He is tactically naive, and often too passive in the field, so needs input from Woolmer and Younis Khan on those fronts; but his contribution in combining the guys and motivating them is immense.

[Captain]

Originally Posted by Maranello

He is tactically naive, and often too passive in the field, so needs input from Woolmer and Younis Khan on those fronts;

I find if you attack a players weakness, then they improve at it, and this is one heck of a weakness that you dont even need to watch film to notice acouple of overs could tell you this. That is improving a bit however, and I think that with Younis training under Inzi will make him a calmer and an even better captain. and who knows tommorows generation will sing his songs and Imran will be 'history'.

[Maranello]

Originally Posted by Captain

Imran will be 'history'.

He already is

[Captain]

Thanks for the reminder

[Ernest]

I think one great think Woolmer has done for Pakistan, is to instill confidence in the side, and that never say die attitude.
This was never more apparent than early this morning when England had clawed their way to within 50, but Pakistan's players heads never drooped, and were stronger than England mentaly.

Mind you bob woolmer as a player was bloody minded, and would bat for a day and more to save a game.

[Captain]

I never was him play but i believe you, he certainly would have.

[Zainub]

I'll be brief here, I'm in real gloat mood today.

Robert, 'our' wonderful Robert, is the best thing that happened to Pakistan Cricket since ... ah well, Inzi started playing - I have no qualms in declaring that I actually love that man - - I have visions of him taking us to great, great things, he'll be around a long time. Along with Fat Conductor, I think our Robert , these two are the best coaches in world cricket.

[Vrock]

I think that Woolmer also acts like the team do, laid back and relaxed, even when Jones and Udal were going along nicely he looked calm and this I think rubs off on the players.