Lawson doesnt see Shoaib as a problem

Pakistans new cricket coach Geoff Lawson, who took charge of the team yesterday, has said that he would not have any problem while dealing with pacer Shoaib Akhtar, who has a history of attitude problems.

Lahore, Aug 22 : Pakistan's new cricket coach Geoff Lawson, who took charge of the team yesterday, has said that he would not have any problem while dealing with pacer Shoaib Akhtar, who has a history of attitude problems.

"Coaches have problems with the attitude of the players, and it's nothing new. I don't see Shoaib as a problem. I am a fast bowler first, so, I will have to deal with that," said Lawson.

Rating Shoaib highly as a bowler, he said, "He has a great temperament for a fast bowler, and I think he could play for a long time."

Lawson further said that Mohammad Yousuf's absence would be felt after the experienced middle-order batsman decided to join the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

"He (Yousuf) is a great player and his absence will surely be felt," the Daily Times quoted Lawson as saying. He added that other players joining the ICL would not have a direct affect, "but I would certainly hope Yousuf has a change of mind."

Pointing out that any side that wants to be world's best needs "aggression, killer instinct and must play to its strength," Lawson said, "They (Pakistani players) have all the required qualities to become the top side in the world. My main focus would be on improving their fitness and making them a more consistent side."

Lawson, whose first assignment will be next month's Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, however, admitted that the coaching assignment, which is his first with a Test playing team, would be a "challenging task."

He reiterated that Pakistan has always been an unpredictable side, which can be "a big advantage if it is used positively," but it should not become a habit.

ANI