''1000 planets aligns'' for Geoff Lawson to take up Pakistan job

Sydney, July 16 (UNI) From ''1000 planets would have to align'' for him to consider taking up Pakistan's coaches' post to a complete cosmic U-turn for coaching the same side, former Australia paceman Geoff Lawson has admitted that the autopsy report of Bob Woolmer put his 'mind at rest'.

The Woolmer case was originally treated as a homicide before an autopsy revealed the Englishman died of natural causes.

''If there was any hint of foul play I don't think anyone would be taking the job,'' Lawson said.

''That (the cause of death) put my mind at rest,'' Lawson was quoted in the Australian media.

When appraoched by the PCB in May, Lawson reportedly stated that ''1000 planets would have to align'' for him to consider filling the coaching vacancy created by Bob Woolmer's untimely death.

Lawson told Sky News that the Pakistan Cricket Board had contacted him yesterday and confirmed he would be appointed as full-time successor to Bob Woolmer, who died of suspected heart failure during the World Cup in March.

Outlining the blueprint to be successful in a volatile territory, Lawson said, bringing the fractious Pakistanis together to produce the consistent cricket, they are capable of, would be a challenge.

The Aussie emphasised the 'mental development' of the game and stressed the need to be mentally prepared to face any adversary.

''It's not a great exercise in skill development, it's an exercise in mental development,'' Lawson said.

''Australia never look on any game they run out on the paddock for as meaningless.

''That is a terrific attitude to have. Every day is 100 per cent and that's certainly not what a lot of sides do.

''If you've got the talent and you're well prepared and you take every game as if it's a grand final, there's a chance you are going to do well.

The 49-year-old has also singled out the unpredictable nature of Pakistan cricket.

''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'' he added.

Lawson, pipped fellow Australians Dav Whatmore and Richard Done to the job.

Lawson doesn't have any previous experience but has worked extensively with the New South Wales team over recent seasons.

The Aussie, who will be joining the Pakistan team at the latter stages of the Twenty20 World Cup, will have his task cut out when the Pakistanis take on arch-rivals India later this year before a three-Test home series against world champions Australia in March-April.

The veteran of 46 Tests for Australia between 1980 and 1989 has apparently agreed to a two-year deal.

His appointment would see him join Trevor Bayliss (Sri Lanka) and Bennett King (West Indies) as Australians coaching overseas teams.

UNI