Lawson looks forward to PCB verdict

Geoff Lawson is not ready to allow himself a big smile yet. Even if there are strong indications, as Cricinfo learned late on Saturday, that Lawson will be the next coach of Pakistan, the Australian is waiting for the official announcement from the Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday.

"They have got a committee meeting tomorrow when they are going to officially let people know tomorrow afternoon Australian time, and I've been made aware of that by the PCB," Lawson said from Sydney. Lawson said the negotiations are on. "I'm still talking to them [the PCB]. All things being equal, if they do offer me the position there are few details to sort out."

Lawson was one of the three Australians who applied for the job last month, and his chances got a shot in the arm when many from the Pakistan national team backed him. A former Australian fast bowler and captain of New South Wales, Lawson was confident the Pakistan board were impressed with his presentation and his vision for Pakistan cricket, which is trying to pick itself up after the death of Bob Woolmer. "I was happy with the way the interview went," he said, "and now I look forward to the decision."

If Lawson gets the job, it will be the first time Pakistan will have a fast bowler as their head coach. He is doing his best to hide his emotions. "I am too enthusiastic if it happens, and if the doesn't there still a lot of cricket in Australia," he said. "But I am looking forward to hearing it officially on Monday."