Shoaib excited to work with Lawson

KARACHI: Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Tuesday hailed the appointment of Geoff Lawson as the coach and said the Australian had the potential to transform the Pakistan cricket team into "world beaters".

"I am excited that he is coming to Pakistan, it's thrilling. He can lift us to that level where we can become the world beaters," said Akhtar.

"I am confident that Lawson will help us beat Australia because he will know their weaknesses and strong points. I can't wait for the Australian series. I want to play in at least one series win over Australia," he said.

Pakistan are slated to host world champions Australia in March and April next year.

Akhtar explained that Lawson's appointment would benefit him personally as well as fellow pacemen.

"He (Lawson) is someone who believes fast bowlers can win matches and I will definitely be able to lift the level of my performance under him. Once the fast bowlers deliver the team will benefit," he said.

The 'Rawalpindi Express' said he liked the Australian mentality of playing to win. "I have always loved the Australian mentality. They only play to win and even if they lose they put up their best till the end.

"They acquire knowledge about minor things and work on them while subcontinental people think differently," said the paceman, who returned to the national team only last month after a long lay-off.

The 49-year-old Lawson was appointed as Pakistan coach on Monday in place of Bob Woolmer, who died during the World Cup in the Caribbean four months ago.