Whatmore upbeat about Pakistan coach job

Thursday, 19 January 2012 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

World Cup winning coach Dav Whatmore appears upbeat about taking on Pakistan after talks with cricket bosses in Lahore, saying a final decision will be made later in the month.

“We had some good discussions,” Whatmore, who guided Sri Lanka to a 1996 World Cup win, told journalists before leaving late on Monday.

“A decision either way will be made later in the month. It’s a case of whether both parties can see a way forward.”

Pakistan has had an interim coach in Mohsin Khan since Waqar Younis left in September on health grounds.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formed a three-man committee to find suitable candidates and shortlisted Whatmore as one of five candidates.

Whatmore, who played seven Tests and one one-day international for Australia in 1979, is favourite to take the job since resigning from Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders.

Whatmore also guided Bangladesh to the Super Six stages of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean. Whatmore said it will be a challenge coaching a talented Pakistan side.

“If I do get the job it will be another challenge in my career,” said Whatmore, who was also interviewed for the Pakistan job in 2007 but was passed over in favour of fellow Australian Geoff Lawson.

“Pakistan have the potential to be a pretty decent team. They’ve done well in recent times. If I am with the team every effort will be directed towards ensuring the team is super-competitive,” said Whatmore, 57. Whatmore predicted a tough series between Pakistan and England, which started with the first Test in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

“England are the number one team in the world, so it won’t be easy. But I am sure Pakistan will be prepared,” said Whatmore of the three-Test series.

The PCB said talks with Whatmore had been positive and that a decision will be made in January.