Vaughan's controversial fielding tactics worry Pakistan coach by AFP

---

Event:

England in Pakistan 2005/06

---

DateLine: 6th November 2005

 

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer Sunday questioned England captain Michael Vaughan's controversial fielding tactics, saying he would seek clear guidelines from Test officials.

 

"We would like the ICC (International Cricket Council) match referee and umpires to give a clear definition of how the relevant law is to be read after what happened in Pindi," Woolmer told AFP.

 

Woolmer was reacting to Vaughan's ploy of moving his fielders while the ball is being bowled, a tactic employed by the England captain during his team's opening tour match against the Patron's XI at Rawalpindi last week.

 

England won the three-day side match by 52 runs and are currently playing their second side match, their last outing before the first Test against Pakistan starts at Multan on November 12.

 

The tactic contravenes cricket Law 41, section seven which states: "Any significant movement by any fielder after the ball comes into play and before the ball reaches the striker is unfair.

 

"In the event of such unfair movement, either umpire shall call and signal dead ball."

 

However Vaughan defended his tactic, saying it was a smart move.

 

"I don't think it was (relating to) sportsmanship. I thought it was quite smart," said Vaughan after the tour opener last week.

 

"I moved very fast, as soon as the ball had been released. If a player is going to sweep, it is an option -- we'll see if we use it in the Test matches," Vaughan had said.

 

Woolmer wants more clarity before the Test series starts.

 

"I can understand the principle behind the ploy by Vaughan but we have to be clear on whether the law allows such things and that should be clear before the Tests," he said.

 

A similar ploy employed by then-England captain Mike Gatting, who moved a fielder while the ball was delivered, led to a row between him and Pakistani umpire Shakoor Rana in the Faisalabad Test in 1987.

 

Woolmer, who played 19 Tests for England, said the series should be played in the proper spirit and any controversies should be avoided.

 

England coach Duncan Fletcher defended Vaughan's tactics, insisting that a fielder is entitled to anticipate where a shot is likely to go and act accordingly.

 

Former Sri Lankan batsman Roshan Mahanama will supervise the three-match Test series and Woolmer said he hoped he would clarify the situation before the series starts.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)