The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Pakistan capable of being the best Test team: Lawson

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Sunday, Jul 22, 2007
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Pakistan capable of being the best Test team: Lawson

KARACHI: New Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson says his main priority is to get his talented but inconsistent team to improve its performances in away series and boost its Test ranking.

Pakistan is due to host South Africa in September and October and tour India in November-December to play three Tests and five ODIs. It hosts Australia early next year.

“It has always been difficult for Pakistan to show their true worth in an away series. As the Test series against India would be the first away one for me I want to prepare a Pakistan team fully capable of standing up to the challenge,” he told English daily The News.

The former Australia seamer has been appointed on a two-year contract by the Pakistan Cricket Board and is due to arrive in Lahore on August 15 to take charge of his team.

“With a bit more technical help, Pakistan can perform even better,” he said. “What I need is time and space. I think that a truly talented team like Pakistan could be guided to the place that has been waiting for them for years,” Lawson added.

He said Pakistan has the capability of beating the No.1 team in the world any time and anywhere if it plays to its true potential.

“Obviously, it is Test cricket that comes ahead of every other version of the game. What I want is to see Pakistan as the best Test-playing nation in the world,” he added. “Test cricket shows the true worth of a team. Pakistan players have all the guts and quality to rule the world in Test cricket. What they need is proper guidance and coaching.” On the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, Lawson said it would be nothing less than a test for every team as it was being held for the first time.

“Whoever holds the nerves will perform better. For Twenty20 cricket you need a good bowling combination and there is no dearth of that in Pakistan,” he said. Lawson said he was already communicating with Pakistan team doctor Dr. Riaz Ahmed and chalking up a fitness plan with him for the players. — Agencies

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