Woolmer's death a loss to young cricketers: Noel David

Hyderabad, Mar 19 (UNI) Bob Woolmer's sudden death was not only a loss to cricketing nations but also to youngsters seeking to learn the game, former Indian cricketer Noel David said today.

Noel David recollected his association with Woolmer, the ICC's High Performance Manager, working towards the development of the game among the associate countries, helping them compete in the 2003 World Cup, during his stint as a coach at INSPORTZ Club, Dubai during 2001-2004.

Talking to 'UNI' Mr David, who played for India for four ODI's in 1997-98 said, ''Bob's sudden death was not only a great loss to cricketing nations, coaches fraternity, but also to young cricketers whom he taught valuable skills.'' ''My association with him was about three years in Dubai, where we used to invite him for interaction with youngsters twice a year.

On each visit he used to stay for about ten days'', said Mr David.

''Bob used to bring CD's and videos to teach youngsters the finer aspects of the game. He was a different person, his approach to the game was different from the other coaches. He knows what he was doing. He has passed on his immense knowledge on the game through valuable tips to youngsters'' he added.

''When I watched the news on television, I was shocked to know that he was no more. It was a bit of a surprise for me that he is not the person I know to succumb to pressures'', Mr David said.

UNI