Lawson to use Pakistans unpredictability to surprise opponents

Pakistans newly appointed coach Geoff Lawson has said that he would use his teams unpredictability to surprise opponents.

Karachi, July 31 : Pakistan's newly appointed coach Geoff Lawson has said that he would use his team's "unpredictability" to surprise opponents.

"Unpredictability can be an advantage as much as a drawback, we will use that characteristic to take teams by surprise," Lawson said.

Lawson expressed confidence of making the Pakistani team a world-beater, saying the team is a lot "talented, skilled and entertaining" players.

"Of course Pakistan can be number one, they have the natural talent and skills to match the best in the world," he told The News in an interview from Sydney, adding that the gap between Pakistan and Australia is not "all that significant."

He brushed aside having any security fears while staying in Pakistan, and said that he is coming to Pakistan without "any issues."

"I don't have any more fears than if I was in London or New York or Istanbul. Cricket people are safe and sensible people," added Lawson, who is likely to arrive in Pakistan on August 20.

The former Australian fast bowler does not seem to be worried about the stress related to the coaching job either. He feels that if players can come to a situation where "they are in charge of their own performances and destiny," then they will enjoy their cricket whether they are winning or losing.

"Learning how to train with discipline and intensity will make sure they are prepared for anything they might encounter in a game situation, therefore avoiding stressful situations," he added.

Lawson's first assignment with the Pakistan team will be the 20Twenty World Cup to be played in South Africa from September 11 to 24.

Besides the Champions Trophy, the Asia Cup will also take place in Pakistan involving India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Pakistan is also scheduled to play home Test series against South Africa and Australia in 2007-08 season.

Forty-nine-year-old Lawson was appointed as Pakistan's coach earlier this month following the death of Bob Woolmer during the World Cup in March in the West Indies.

ANI