Pakistan can win without Shoaib, Asif: Woolmer

Lahore, Feb 23 (UNI) Mystery deepens around Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif's fate but Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer is convinced that his side can lift the World Cup even in absence of the pace duo.

Both Shoaib and Asif tested positive for nandrolone just ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy and even though their bans were waived, they are yet to clear another dope test before the World Cup and reports claim that they are nursing injuries as well.

Surprisingly, both the bowlers have so far refrained from providing urine sample for the dope tests being conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Woolmer conceded that Pakistan might have to land in the Caribbean without them.

Woolmer admitted that the absence of twin strike bowlers might take some teeth off the new ball attack, but asserted Pakistan could win without them.

''Shoaib and Asif are our main strike bowlers and it would be a big blow for us if they don't play. But it isn't right to say that we are incapable of doing well without them''.

''Pakistan has done well and won matches in the past when Shoaib couldn't play due to injury or other reasons and when Asif had not even started his international career,'' Woolmer told ''The News''.

''We are not a bad side even if you take Shoaib and Asif out of the equation. Ours will still be a good side, capable of delivering good results,'' he said.

''One of the best ways to win is to score runs. We have a good batting order and I believe there are bowlers in the team capable of defending any decent score,'' he explained.

The pitches in the West Indies would suit his wards, claimed Woolmer.

''It all depends on the pitches. We believe our players should do well on the surfaces in the West Indies but let's see,'' he said.

Conceding that the opening slot remains a grey area for the side, Woolmer, however, felt that the team has options in Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik.

''We are not the only team having opening problems. It is quite a common problem these days,'' the coach observed.

He also rubbished notions that the fitness level of the Pakistani side was abysmally low.

''I believe fitness and injuries are two different issues.

Speaking of my team, the fitness aspect is fine but there are some injury problems. Umer Gul looks fine, Asif seems okay. It's just Shoaib,'' he said.

UNI