Cricket: Former Australia Test Bowler Geoff Lawson Confirms His Appointment As Pakistan Coach

The former Australia Test bowler Geoff Lawson has confirmed reports he is to succeed the late Bob Woolmer as Pakistan coach.

Speaking to Australian radio station 2KY, Lawson said the Pakistan Cricket Board had called on Sunday night to inform him he had beaten former Sri Lanka and Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore - the other remaining shortlisted candidate - to the job. The PCB, which is expected to officially unveil Lawson this afternoon, had previously ruled fellow Australian Richard Done out of the running for the post earlier on Sunday.

"It's not a great exercise in skill development, it's an exercise in mental development," said Lawson as he assessed the challenge ahead of him in probably the most volatile post in world cricket. "Australia never look on any game they run out on the paddock for as meaningless. Pakistan's inconsistency has probably got a lot to do with that - not approaching every game, or the next game, as the most important one they're going to play. I think that is the greatest challenge."

Pakistan, who have had eight different coaches in the last 11 years, have been without a coach since the shock death of Woolmer during the World Cup in the Caribbean. Lawson acknowledged he would not have taken on the role if there had been any lingering doubts over the cause of Woolmer's death. "If there was any hint of foul play I don't think anyone would be taking the job," he added. "That [the cause of death] put my mind at rest."

Lawson is understood to have agreed a two-year deal, and intends to split his time between Australia and Pakistan. He is set to endure a baptism of fire when the Pakistanis take on India later this year before a three-Test home series against world champions Australia in March and April. They will also compete in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in September, with the new coach set to join his players in the latter stages of the tournament.

Lawson has not coached at international level previously but has worked extensively with the New South Wales team over recent seasons. His appointment would see him join Trevor Bayliss (Sri Lanka) and Bennett King (West Indies) as Australians coaching overseas teams.