Lawson 'honoured' to be Pak coach candidate

BHURBAN: Former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson said on Monday he was honoured to be a candidate to coach Pakistan, saying it was one of the top jobs in world cricket.   

Lawson, 49, is one of three Australians shortlisted to replace Bob Woolmer -- who died at the World Cup in Jamaica in March -- along with former Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore and Richard Done.   

"I am honoured and feel great pride to be among the running candidates. Pakistan have a bright future and that's what took me here," Lawson told reporters in the Himalayan resort of Bhurban.   

"It is one of the most important jobs in world cricket. I am actually in the running and it is great to be back in Pakistan after 25 years," said Lawson, part of the Australian team who lost 3-0 in a Test series here in 1982.   

Lawson, who took 180 wickets in 46 Tests between 1980 to 1987, arrived here early Monday and was interviewed by a three-member Pakistan Cricket Board panel in the afternoon.   

He admitted he was initially reluctant to come but changed his mind after last week's announcement by Jamaican police that Woolmer died of natural causes and was not murdered, as initially announced.   

"It is fair to say that I changed my mind after it was announced Woolmer died of natural causes. I mean, there could not have been any other reason and had it been I would not have been here," said Lawson.   

Lawson expressed admiration for former England Test batsman Woolmer, whose wicket he took as part of a haul of 7-81 in 1981 at Lord's.   

"I played against him and found him a great player," he said.   

"We crossed paths nine months ago and apart from his coaching abilities, which were superior, he was a good human being and the world cricket will miss him."   

The Australian said it was "disappointing" to see Pakistan dumped out of the World Cup by outsiders Ireland in March. Woolmer was found dead in his room the following day.   

"They are impressive when they play well and are frustrating when they play bad but they still are a good group of men who can be motivated," Lawson said of the Pakistan team, whom he will meet on Tuesday.   

"I have been a great admirer of Pakistan players, having watched their matches in early mornings in Australia and met some players" while working with the media, he said.   

Pakistan are currently training in the northwestern city of Abbotabad for next month's tour of Scotland, where they will play one limited overs international each against the hosts and India.   

Pakistan advertised the coaching post after Woolmer's death and shortlisted candidates on Saturday. Whatmore is due to be interviewed on Wednesday while Done met Pakistani officials on Sunday.   

Another Australian, Steve Rixon, turned down an offer to come to Pakistan for an interview, saying he had already taken up coaching assignments before the PCB contacted him.   

Lawson said it was "flattering" that Australians were in demand as coaches at international level, adding that "Australia have a strong system backed by the winning ways of the national team".   

Except for England and South Africa, all 10 Test playing countries have had Australian coaches in the past decade.   

Sri Lanka have recently appointed Trevor Bayliss as a replacement for Tom Moody, also an Australian, who left the job after the World Cup. India have yet to find a replacement for their Australian coach, Greg Chappell.   

South African Graham Ford and England's John Emburey refused India's offers earlier this month, forcing India to delay the decision.