You are in > manchester.com  > News > Woolmer: England 'vulnerable'

General Sports News

Woolmer: England 'vulnerable'

24/10/2005

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has suggested that England could be disadvantaged in the forthcoming three-Test series by their momentous Ashes success.

Woolmer, a former England Test batsman and coach of South Africa, told the BBC: "Mentally I'm wondering 'can England get up again after such a fantastic effort?'

"That will be a telling point, because sometimes it's very hard when you've been on such a high for a long time."

Woolmer added: "We will be playing a side that's just beaten Australia.

"It will be a great incentive for us."

Pakistan are officially the seventh best Test team in the world, ahead of only West Indies, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile England's 2-1 Ashes victory has cemented their position in the second spot, just eight points behind Australia.

England coach Duncan Fletcher responded to Woolmer's comments appropriately, saying: "People keep saying that [we are vulnerable] before we go and tour these countries and it's something that really motivates the side.

"I hope they keep saying that because if they didn't we would probably get a bit complacent."

© Adfero Ltd