Whatmore says he has not recommended Woodhill

Karachi: Pakistan`s head coach, Dav Whatmore has rejected talks about him recommending little known Australian Trent Woodhill for the post of the national team`s batting coach ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Whatmore told reporters before the team`s departure for Ireland earlier today that Woodhill`s appointment was a decision of the PCB. He also disclosed that he had not had any discussions with Woodhill since his appointment was made. "I sent him some emails and messages but didn`t get any reply as he is in India for the Indian Premier League," Whatmore said. Since the PCB named Woodhill as batting coach -- he will join the team in England -- it has come in for criticism as the Australian has played no first-class cricket and until last year his only claim to recognition was that he was associate coach of the New Zealand team. Woodhill`s appointment came as a surprise to the Pakistani cricket community with the board it was trying him out for a period of three weeks before deciding whether to give him a long-term contract. Initially it was reported that Whatmore had recommended Woodhill`s name to the PCB but the head coach denied. Whatmore also said that there were no favorites for the Champions Trophy but Pakistan had a perfect blend of youth and experienced players. "With Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammed Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal, Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik in the side the experience is there for such a major tournament and I am very hopeful the young players in the squad will also do their best in the competition." Whatmore said. PTI