July 18, 2007	Wednesday	Rajab 02, 1428

KARACHI, July 17: Fiery Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said on Tuesday he was delighted by Geoff Lawson's appointment as national team coach, arguing only an Australian can help Pakistan to beat the world's number one team.

Former fast bowler Lawson, 49, succeeded onetime England batsman Bob Woolmer, who died during the World Cup in the Caribbean four months ago. He edged out two other short-listed Australians, Dav Whatmore and Richard Done.

“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 Shoaib.

“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,” he added.

“I am confident that Lawson will help us beat Australia because he will know their weaknesses and strong points.”

Shoaib said teams from the subcontinent, especially Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, have benefitted from Australian coaching. Both have been coached by Whatmore.

“Australian thinking is different from the subcontinent. They acquire knowledge about minor things and work on them while sub-continental people think differently,” the paceman said.

The 31-year Shoaib, nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express after his hometown, has been plagued by injuries. He only returned to the Pakistan team last month after missing the World Cup in March.

Lawson has said that Shoaib is the key to Pakistan's success.

“He's a vital cog to them being top of the tree,” Lawson said after meeting the maverick speedster last month.

Shoaib said Lawson's appointment would help him and 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.

“Even Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor benefitted from Lawson's help when they played alongside him in New South Wales, so he must have something which worked.”

Shoaib said the team is gearing up for an exciting but tough season ahead.

“This current Pakistan team has a young captain in Shoaib Malik and it has worked extensively to be the fittest. The atmosphere is very good and we are gearing up for the challenges ahead,” he said.

Pakistan feature in the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship to be held in September in South Africa, then host South Africa for two Tests and five One-day Internationals and tour India for three Tests and five one-dayers.

They also host world champions Australia in March and April next year, a series Shoaib is already looking forward to.

“I can't wait for the Australian series. I want to play in at least one series win over Australia,” he said.—AFP