"DEATH IS NOT extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."

 

Death may be the essential condition of life, but its suddenness can shock and benumb feelings. Good men must die, but death cannot erase their names. The sudden death of Bob Woolmer has sent shivers down my spine at the very least and has left the cricket world stunned.

 

We extend oursincerest and deepest condolences to Bob Woolmer’s family and his near and dear ones for his unfortunate and untimely death. Despite the extenuating circumstances surrounding his death, Bob Woolmer’s sudden departure reminds us that death does not favour anyone.

 

Bob Woolmer was born in Kanpur, UP, India in 1948. There was never a doubt about his future career. His father put a bat and ball in his cot and at 3, he made his home debut in the back garden. At 11, he watched Hanif Mohammed score 499 for Karachi. At 20, he made his debut for Kent. The scorebook says 50 not out.

 

In 1970-71, he had his first experience of playing and coaching in South Africa. The very next year, he made his international debut for England. He got picked for the World Cup 1975 squad but he managed to break his hand the day before the tournament started. He was left to finish the 12th man duties.

 

Woolmer was selected as one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the year in 1976 to determinate his growing accreditation. Woolmer’s international career stalled after he joined the World Series Cricket breakaway group run by Kerry Packer. Though he appeared intermittently in the Test team up to 1981, he never recaptured the form of the mid 1970s.

 

He retired from first class cricket, and immigrated to South Africa the next year, teaching at high schools and coaching cricket and hockey in disadvantaged areas. In 1991, he was appointed director of coaching at Warwickshire CCC. He was in the dressing room when Brian Lara scored 501 to break Hanif’s record. He was one of the few spectators who saw both innings live. South Africa won 73% of its one-day internationals, and 10 out of 15 test series during his reign between 1995 and 1999. Woolmer left the job after South Africa failed to make it to the World Cup final by 0.1run.

 

In 2005, he was appointed the coach of Pakistan. His website states: And I’m still standing though sadly it would need to reflect the tragic change in events.

 

It is a mournful end to a truly remarkable man and brilliant cricketer, who did justice to his potential and coaching commitments. Pakistan’s shock exclusion from the World Cup is dwarfed by the death of Bob Woolmer. He was a gentleman and fronted a very professional self at all times. The cricketing world has lost a great cricket brain. Cricket is poorer by his death

 

Also see
 ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 :  Reports and reviews