Inzamam reveals shock at death of Woolmer

DEPARTING Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has described Bob Woolmer as “a good coach and a much better human being”.

The cricketing world is in mourning following the death of Pakistan coach Woolmer, who passed away on Sunday after being found unconscious in his hotel room in Jamaica.

His death came less than 24 hours after his side were knocked out of the World Cup by minnows Ireland, a result which prompted Inzamam to resign as Test captain and retire from one-day international cricket.

However, Inzamam said Pakistan’s exit from the competition paled into insignificance after the events of Sunday.

“It is very sad. Winning and losing is a part of the game but, after this news, everybody is shocked because he was a good coach and a much better human being,” Inzamam said.

Woolmer’s post mortem should be carried out today at the latest, according to a senior police officer investigating his death. Jamaica police deputy commissioner Mark Shields revealed Woolmer’s widow Gill gave permission for post mortem to take place.

“I understand that Mrs Woolmer has given permission for a post mortem and therefore that will be conducted later today or tomorrow at the very latest,” Shields said yesterday.

“After that, the results of the post mortem will be made available to the police and then we can speak to the family and the Pakistan officials to advise them what is happening.”

Reports have alleged former England batsman and Warwickshire coach Woolmer suffered from diabetes and had recently experienced breathing difficulties.

Shields explained how he was discovered, saying: “It was about 10.45 Jamaica time yesterday morning when a housekeeper let herself into the room and found Bob unconscious.

“A nurse was called and a doctor very soon after that and he was rushed to the University of West Indies Hospital, which is about 10 minutes away, where he was pronounced dead at around 12 noon.”

Shields’ understanding is that at no stage did Woolmer regain consciousness.

He said: “He was unconscious and may even have been dead when he was found but that’s yet to be confirmed. That’ll be part of the post mortem, to discover what time he died.”

Shields played down concerns over the death being treated as suspicious, claiming this is standard procedure.

He said: “We always treat any sudden death as suspicious until we can prove otherwise.”

Brian Lara guided the West Indies into the Super 8 phase of the World Cup with 44 not out as they beat Zimbabwe by six wickets at Sabina Park yesterday.

The result leaves Zimbabwe needing to win their final group match against Pakistan to keep alive their hopes of pipping Ireland to the second qualifying spot.

Chris Gayle (40) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (21) gave the hosts a good start with an opening stand of 73 before they both edged catches to slip. Ramnaresh Sarwan and Marlon Samuels also fell, but Lara and Dwayne Bravo saw them home with 13 balls to spare.

West Indies opener Chris Gayle said the team were now focusing on facing Ireland: “We will have to beat Ireland. They’re on a high and we’re not going to take them for granted.”

Meanwhile India took out the frustration of their shock World Cup defeat to Bangladesh with the biggest victory in one-day international history over hapless Bermuda yesterday.

Having been skittled for 191 in their

opening Group B encounter, India posted a tournament record 413 for five before sealing a crushing 257-run win — one more than Australia’s previous record — at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad.