Northants v Pakistanis, Northampton

Woolmer defends Butt and Farhat

Cricinfo staff

July 21, 2006

Bob Woolmer has come to the aid of his struggling openers © Getty Images

Bob Woolmer, Pakistan's coach, has defended his misfiring top-order batsmen after their continued failure in the three-day fixture against Northamptonshire. Salman Butt and Imran Farhat, who struggled in the drawn first Test at Lord's last week, were dismissed for single figures but Woolmer has come to their defence.

"There is not a problem with the top order batsmen," Woolmer told Sporting Life. "Lots of people are talking about it after their failure against England but I have faith in my players and I know they will come good."

The bright part of Pakistan's outing at Northampton was Younis Khan, who returned from a knee injury to captain the side in place of Inzamam-ul-Haq and scored an unbeaten 50. "I am really pleased to see Younis get a 50 and be in such good form after he missed the first Test," said Woolmer. "These types of games are great because we can bring in players, like Younis, who have not had much time in the middle. It's good to get some match practice and much better than batting and bowling in the nets. It helps to get the guys scoring some runs and improves their form and confidence."

Stephen Peters, whose 142 took the hosts to 269 for three declared, cut a relieved figure after his effort. "It was very pleasing to get my 100," he said. "I have had a tough season so far which made it even more enjoyable. I have played well in quite a few one-day games lately and I've made a few technical changes to my game which I think have made all the difference. Hopefully this will get me back in the hat for the first team next week."

The second Test against England gets underway at Old Trafford on July 27.

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