Postmortem 'inconclusive'

Death of Bob Woolmer
Findings from a post mortem into the death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer were "inconclusive" and further tests were being carried out, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said last night.

"The pathologist's findings were inconclusive and he is awaiting results from toxicology and histology (the examination of body tissue) from the government's forensic laboratory," PCB spokesman Pervez Mir said.

The 58-year-old was found unconscious in his Kingston hotel room on Sunday after his team had been eliminated from the World Cup by Ireland less than 24 hours earlier. He died later in hospital and the death has rocked the tournament.

The former England test batsman, who was a diabetic, was regarded as one of the premier coaches in the world, but the position with cricket-crazy Pakistan was one of the most pressurised in the sport.

Mark Shields, deputy commissioner of the Jamaican police constabulary (crime division), said that the body could not be released until the pathologist had completed his examination.

"We can't rule anything out. It's our position to investigate. We have to wait for the pathologist to provide a report which will go to the coroner. From that, we will know what action we will take next."

"If there are no results we will not be able to release the body unless the coroner gives his authority. In a case like this I would think the pathologist would want to be absolutely sure and so I see nothing unusual in that.

"He wants to make sure that whatever his findings are they are accurate. Therefore conducting further tests is quite legitimate and sensible in these circumstances.

"I know that the scientists are treating it with the utmost urgency in order that we can hopefully repatriate the body to his family as soon as possible," added Shields.

Mir said the intention was that the body would be returned to Woolmer's family in Cape Town via London.

Asked when the scientists' conclusions would be available, Shields replied: "I just know they are working as quickly as possible to provide the information that we need. I hope it's today, but it could be tomorrow."

Pakistan are eager to pay a fitting tribute to their late coach by beating Zimbabwe in their final World Cup Group D match at Sabina Park today.

"We'll do our best for Bob, but, whatever we do, it won't be enough." captain Inzamam ul-Haq said. "He was a good man. Whenever any of the boys had a problem, he'd sit with them, and we were very attached to him.

"After the game (on Saturday), he went to all the boys and cheered them up. He told them that these things happen in life. That was his greatest quality. Even in the bad times, he would think positive."

For Inzamam, the match will be extra special, following his announcement on Sunday that he had retired from one-day internationals, and he would be quitting the post of Pakistan captain after the World Cup.

"Every player has to go some day, and I've had my innings, but you can't really choose the way you leave," he said. In my view, (my resignation) won't affect things much. There are senior players who might be even better than me at doing this job. With God's grace, they'll be even more successful."

Pakistan will welcome back leg-spin all-rounder Shahid Afridi after he completed his four-match ban for a breach of the ICC code of conduct stemming from an incident during a match in South Africa.

Earlier yesterday the entire Pakistan national selection committee tendered their resignation following the team's early exit from the World Cup.

Committee chairman Wasim Bari informed the Pakistan Cricket Board of the members' decision, saying their tenure only took them up to the tournament and they shared responsibility for the team's performance.