Lahore, July 17, 2007 (Tuesday) - Former Pakistan cricket captain Intikhab Alam has said that Dav Whatmore would have been a better choice as coach of the national cricket team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Australian cricketer Geoff Lawson, as the national coach after an ad hoc committee meeting in Karachi.

Intikhab, who managed Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup winning team, said Lawson did not have the required experience.

“Lawson has not coached at the international level before. Whatmore’s belligerent approach would have helped  to get the best out of the Pakistan cricketers who are traditionally known for their unpredictability,” Intikhab told the Daily Times.

He further said that it was pertinent to mention that the board was initially in favour of 53-year-old Whatmore, who has coached Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, but changed its stance after the players and team management, found the former Australian fast bowler, more friendly.

Intikhab emphasised that  Whatmore had turned the fortunes of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

“During his association with the subcontinental teams, Whatmore had improved their performances. And, I think this was a big plus point for Whatmore,” he maintained.

The former leg spinner said Lawson would also face communication problems in Pakistan.

“I think it would at least take one year for Lawson to understand the cricket infrastructure and the players mental approach. But I wish him best of luck,” he concluded. (ANI)