Adrian Birrell said that the minor cricketing nations owed Bob Woolmer a debt of gratitude after his efforts to promote the sport around the world.
KINGSTON: Ireland coach Adrian Birrell said on Monday that the minor cricketing nations owed Bob Woolmer a debt of gratitude after his efforts to promote the sport around the world.
His message came less than two days after Ireland, in their first World Cup, shocked Woolmer's Pakistan with a three-wicket win that eliminated the 1992 champions. Woolmer died on Sunday, aged 58, in Kingston after being found in his room unconscious.
South African Birrell befriended the former England batsman during Woolmer's time as South Africa coach from 1994-1999, when Birrell was in charge at Eastern Province.
"Our paths crossed quite often," Birrell said.
"I got to know him over the years and the world will miss a great cricket coach. He had a great playing career but I think he will be remembered for his contribution to coaching. It's ironic that he started the high performance programme (to improve the minor nations) and we were on the outside looking in at that stage. But he has always been a big believer that cricket should be more global. Certainly the 'minnows' will miss him because he had a lot to do with the progression of more associate teams in the World Cup."
Woolmer and Birrell shared a few thoughts after Saturday's match at Sabina Park and the Pakistan coach was not hiding behind excuses.
"He was very gracious in defeat and he didn't look for any excuses," Birrell said.
"He just said they didn't play very well and we played very well. I suggested the toss made a big difference but he didn't think the pitch died down when they bowled and said if they had batted second they would have still lost. He took it on the chin. Physically, he did look down but he had just lost a mammoth game and was under immense pressure. It must have had an impact," he said.
Birrell said spirit in the Irish camp, meanwhile, "couldn't be higher" but reported that a shoulder injury to captain Trent Johnston and a side strain to bowler Boyd Rankin are being monitored ahead of Friday's match with West Indies.
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