Bird leads tributes to Woolmer

Dickie Bird was worried about the pressure on Bob Woolmer

Former Test umpire Dickie Bird has described himself as “stunned and shocked” by the news of his friend Bob Woolmer’s death in the West Indies.

The 58-year-old coach of Pakistan, a former England Test player, died of a suspected heart attack in Jamaica on Sunday.

Bird knew Woolmer as a player and as a coach and admitted his death - just a day after his side were knocked out of the World Cup with a shock defeat to minnows Ireland - came as a huge surprise.

“Bob was a very close friend. I am stunned and shocked, I cannot believe it,” he said.

“He was a tremendous all-rounder for Kent and for England and magnificent cricket coach.”

Bird believes that Woolmer, who also coached South Africa and Warwickshire, became the finest coach in the game.

“Bob was respected worldwide. He developed into the finest cricket coach in the world.

Bob Woolmer © Getty Images

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“He was a tremendous professional cricketer and was dedicated to the game.

“The world will miss him. He did so much for the game he was well liked and well respected.

“He knew the game inside out - that’s what made him a magnificent cricket coach. I know for a fact that the Pakistan team thought the world of him.”

Bird admitted to worrying about Woolmer after Pakistan’s shock defeat to Ireland and insists the result - coupled with their opening day defeat to the West Indies - would have placed huge pressure on his friend.

“Pakistan is a massive (cricket) country and were one of the favourites to win the World Cup.

“We all thought they would beat Ireland and I thought they would certainly get to the semi-finals. This result put a lot of pressure on Bob.

“I watched him when they got beaten and his face looked drawn, he looked ill and it took a lot out of him.

“Everyone in Pakistan thought they were going to win the World Cup - this put a lot of pressure on Bob.”

ECB chief executive David Collier commented: "The passing of Bob Woolmer in Jamaica casts a sad shadow over the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

David Collier

"Bob was one of the world's greatest coaches and as a player his innings of 149 lasting more than eight hours against (Dennis) Lillee and (Jeff) Thomson demonstrated not only how talented a player Bob was but also his pride in wearing the England sweater.

"But perhaps Bob will be best remembered as one of the world's leading coaches. He embraced innovation and was at the forefront of many new developments in the game.

"His legacy to cricket in England and Wales includes the significant role he played in the development of the ECB Level 4 Coaching Course as well as coaching Warwickshire to that wonderful summer in 1994 when the County captured three trophies in one season.

"Everyone at ECB extends our deepest sympathy to Bob's family - we have lost a great friend."

Andrew Walpole the England team media spokesman, added: "Our thoughts are with Bob's family. This has come as a huge shock to all of the England team.

"He was a figure who commanded great respect within world cricket and he will be sorely missed."