Lawson named as Woolmer's replacement

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed Geoff Lawson as their new national team coach.

Lawson's appointment brings an end to the speculation over who would replace Bob Woolmer following his death at this year's World Cup in the Caribbean.

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The former Australia fast bowler has been handed a two-year deal by the PCB after edging out competition from Dav Whatmore and Richard Done.

The 49-year-old, who took 180 wickets in 46 Tests during the 1980s, was a surprise choice considering his limited coaching experience with state side New South Wales.

However, the PCB believe his playing background will give the national side an edge as they look to improve their position in all forms of the game.

"Pakistan has many pace bowlers and we win matches with them," said PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf. "Having a former fast bowler on board is an advantage for that definitely.

"We weighed up all our options and, though all three were highly qualified, we felt Geoff was most suitable to our needs. Dav Whatmore and Richard Done were not any less candidates, just that Geoff was what we needed."

Lawson, who is expected to bring in his own management team, will begin his new post on August 15.

But Ashraf has already hinted at some changes in the backroom staff.

"We will definitely have a fielding coach and we want world-class trainers and physiotherapists as well," said the PCB chief. "We want to have a streamlined management team and Geoff has his ideas on that."

Pakistan have appointed eight different coaches during the last 11 years but struggled to make any real impact at both Test and one-day level over recent times.

And although Lawson is believed to be the preferred choice of most Pakistan players, he will have very little time to work with the squad before the Twenty20 World Championships in September.

He will then have the tough task of navigating his way through an overseas tour of India and visits from Australia and South Africa.