We have variety in attack, says Pakistan coach

Pakistan's cricket coach Bob Woolmer on Tuesday put a brave face on the absence of two key fast bowlers, saying his team had the resources to do well in the World Cup.

Pacemen Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were ruled out of the one-day mega event in the Caribbean due to injuries after being originally included in the squad.

This was not the first time the pair were unavailable for a big tournament as both had to return home after testing positive for a banned substance before their team's first match in the Champions Trophy in India last October.

"This time we were prepared for it," Woolmer told AFP.

"We were told by the Pakistan Cricket Board they were unlikely (to take part in the World Cup). The injuries were very severe. They are important members of our team, but unfortunately they didn't make it.

"Asif's elbow is sore and Akhtar's knee is not ready, but we were ready for it. If you look at the teams playing for Pakistan in the last two or three years, Shoaib and Asif have not featured in many one-day internationals."

Woolmer did not believe that the duo's absence would affect the team's chances in the World Cup, which opens in Jamaica on March 13 with a match between his team and the West Indies.

Pakistan are in Group D with the hosts, Ireland and Zimbabwe, with the top two sides advancing to the Super Eight stage. "The players who have been doing the hard work for the last three years have earned their places in the side. I am pleased and I am sure they will deliver the goods here," he said.

The Pakistani coach said his team still had variations in attack, with Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Umar Gul and Shoaib Malik capable of testing the best on all surfaces.

"Rana was the man of the match in India (in 2005). But there has been a slump in his form lately and I think that happens in cricket. It's time for him to come back in top gear," said Woolmer.

"I think the pitches here will be different and he can be a force again. I am absolutely sure he will be a force here along with (paceman) Rao Iftikhar and Gul. We have variety in our attack.

"We have (spinners) Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik and Danish Kaneria. It's a balanced attack for all surfaces. If we play to our potential we have as good a chance as anyone in this tournament."

Pakistan have been struggling to find an effective pair of openers in one-dayers in recent times, but Woolmer said it was only a misconception.

"If you look at all teams, opening is a problem. Why pick Pakistan? I get fed up with this. This is another misconception. Look at India, Australia, England and South Africa.

"The new ball does a bit and opening bowlers are meant to take wickets. Imran Nazir and Hafeez, or maybe Kamran Akmal or Shahid Afridi, the four can destroy an attack." Woolmer said the mood in the camp was upbeat and the team were looking forward to making an impressive start in the tournament.

"Smile in adversity. Smile when you are doing well. But always smile, smile as you realise that you are lucky to represtent you country in a great tournament that comes not every other day but after every four years.

"The theme is to enjoy ourselves. To work hard, play hard. The mood is excellent and hopefully we have a good start and we carry that through."

AFP