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XtraTime Web Desk: When you think about Bob Woolmer, you invariably associate him with the innovative ideas he brought into cricket coaching. He was the first recognized coach who brought the concept of laptop in cricket. But the former English cricketer who turned into a successful coach will be remembered for the way he died in his hotel room in Jamaica hours after Pakistan’s exit from 2007 World Cup. Woolmer, who was nicknamed ‘The Scientist’, was born on this day in 1948 in Kanpur.

Woolmer was born in the Georgina McRobert Memorial Hospital which was across the road from Green Park stadium in Kanpur. His father Clarence Woolmer was also a cricketer and represented United Provinces (now Uttar Pardesh) in the Ranji Trophy. After doing his schooling at The Skinners’ Woolmer started playing for Kent second XI. He went on to represent England in 19 tests and 6 One Day Internationals during the period 1975-1981. He scored three test hundreds, all coming against Australia in Ashes.
But it was as a coach that he left a lasting impression on the game. It was under his tenure Warwickshire dominated the English county circuit. West Indian legend Brian Lara scored his famous 501 not out against Durham in 1994 when Woolmer was the coach of the county. It is said he also witnessed Hanif Mohammad's 499 in Karachi in 1958 when he was 10 years old.

Woolmer’s popularity as an international coach increased when he took South Africa to No.1 rankings in both tests and ODIs during a five year stint. One of the common sights during his time as South Africa coach was the Proteas batsmen resorting to reverse sweeps against spinners. It turned out to be a very productive shot in this era of T20 cricket.

In the words of former South African fast bowler, “Woolmer was an inventor. He got people out of their comfort zones, getting them to reverse-sweep, to reverse lap, he was the first coach that ever did that. He literally had sweeping camps."

Woolmer also brought the concept of computer analysis in cricket as he tried to find out the weakness and strengths of the opponents. In modern day cricket video analysts are an integral part of the support staffs for any teams across the globe. His innovative ideas also led to controversies like the one which happened during the 1999 World Cup in England. He was seen communicating with South African captain Hansie Cronje who had an ear piece plugged into his ears during a match. The practice was later banned by International Cricket Council (ICC).

Woolmer’s life was cut shot as he was found dead in his hotel room in Jamaica a few hours after Pakistan’s exit from the 2007 World Cup. Woolmer was suspiciously found lying naked on his back in the bathtub with blood around his mouth. His death prompted speculation of links to illegal betting syndicates, but the Jamaican police later stated that there was no evidence to suggest bookmakers were responsible.

Bob Woolmer’s death will remain a mystery but his innovative works as a cricket coach will be remembered forever.