Lawson named coach of Pakistan

Australian Geoff Lawson has today been appointed as head coach of Pakistan, replacing the late Bob Woolmer at the helm of Pakistan cricket.

The official announcement is expected to be made later today, but an excited Lawson broke the news to the waiting media earlier this morning.

“It’s a challenge. I think it’s a wonderful challenge to have because it’s such a talented squad they have over there,” said the former Australian fast bowler.

“They’re coming off a poor World Cup and controversially being beaten by Ireland and all the things that accompany that, but when you look at the class of player they have you’ve just got to be excited about being involved with them.”

Lawson beats fellow Australians Richard Done and Dav Whatmore for the position, the latter seemingly out in the cold with regards to an international coaching position after leaving Bangladesh and being turned down by India and now Pakistan. Lawson praised the Australian cricket system which has produced such candidates.

“Australian cricket is highly regarded around the world, the way they play, the way the coaching and development structures are. It’s a great tribute to Australian cricket in general,” he said.

Lawson will meet up with the team in Pakistan next month, as preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup in September get underway.