Hardwork is the key: Lawson tells Pak board in his presentation

Sydney, July 2 (UNI) Former Australia fast bowler Geoff Lawson has emphasised a strategy based on hardwork for making Pakistan a world beating side in his presentation to the Pakistan Cricket Board during the interview for the post of its national coach.

Lawson, whose aggressive captaincy is said to have influenced New South Wales colleagues and Australian captains Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh, is aware of the fact that fellow Aussie Dav Whatmore is the frunt runner fo Pakistan coach's job which has another Aussie Richard Done as the third contender.

''I won't be surprised if I get it, I won't be surprised if I miss out. I wouldn't have gone for the interview if I wasn't keen. It would be a terrific challenge. Dav is obviously the front-runner, but I told them about the hard work that has to be done to make the team successful,'' Lawson was quoted as saying by the 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

Lawson's philosophy of 'get on or get out' made New South Wales win a number of state titles under his captaincy.

And about all the contenders being Australians, Lawson said, ''I think they appreciate how the Australian approach to playing cricket is a successful one and that's what they're trying to tap into. I didn't chase the job, so there isn't much to lose if I don't get it.'' During his visit to Pakistan for the interview, Lawson saw Pakistan team playing a 40-over practice match in Islamabad and he was impressed with the intensity shown by players in the match.

''They were in the middle of a training camp when I was there. Those internal games can sometimes be played at, how would you say, less than full intensity, but they were having a go.

''My impressions were very good. They were playing hard and they were playing with attitude. There's a lot of talent there to work with. It's an exciting prospect.'' Lawson made his Test debut against India in 1980. He played 46 Test matches taking 180 wickets and 79 One-Day Internationals picking 88 wickets. He also had a brief stint at Lancashire in the English County Championship.

UNI