Woolmer Impressed By Irish

Reports & previews

Cricket365
March 17, 2007

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer will not be taking the Irish lightly in their World Cup Group D contest in Jamaica today.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer will not be taking the Irish lightly in their World Cup Group D contest in Jamaica today.
Ireland have caught the eye in the Caribbean by putting the skids on South Africa in a warm-up match last week and then snatching a dramatic tie against Zimbabwe on Thursday.
"I have watched Ireland and I have been impressed by their discipline," said Woolmer.
"Our game against Ireland will be a tough one as they have proved that they are one of the best equipped of the associate sides and are very keen and well organised."
Woolmer feels it is too early to talk about his side being in a tight corner, and he felt Tuesday's defeat to West Indies was a wake-up call.
"Let's make sure we remain positive for the rest of the tournament," he said.
"The opening match of the World Cup was the type of game we can expect from all the sides here. It was a tough, no-holds-barred game."
Pakistan may experiment with Kamran Akmal as opener instead of Mohammad Hafeez, and may consider Mohammad Sami ahead of Rana Naved-ul-Hasan.
But Ireland are relishing the chance to further upset the odds.
Trent Johnston's side dismissed Zimbabwe for 221 off the last ball of their match on Thursday, and they are looking forward to facing Inzamam-ul-Haq's men on St Patrick's Day.
"It's going to be hugely difficult to go out and beat Pakistan," said Johnston.
"They have a great batting line-up and their bowling is of a very high standard too, even though they are missing a couple of bowlers.
"We are not saying that we will go out and win, but if we can be competitive and give everything and play to our best ability, then I think we can come off the pitch with our heads held high no matter what the scores."
Johnston admitted there are some areas in which his side need to improve if they are to avoid the full brunt of the backlash from Pakistan after their defeat by the West Indies in their opener.
"If we bowl well up front against Pakistan, and if we bat well, we could be competitive," he said.
"If we're going to beat Pakistan we'll have to play out of our skins and give it 120%."
To guarantee a spot in the next round, Pakistan now need to beat the Irish and Zimbabwe on Wednesday.