Whatmore upbeat about Pakistan coach job

LAHORE: World Cup winning coach Dav Whatmore appears upbeat about taking on Pakistan after talks with cricket bosses in Lahore, saying a final decision will be made later in the month.

"We had some good discussions," Whatmore, who guided Sri Lanka to a 1996 World Cup win, told journalists before leaving late Monday.

"A decision either way will be made later in the month. It's a case of whether both parties can see a way forward."

Pakistan has had an interim coach in Mohsin Khan since Waqar Younis left in September on health grounds.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formed a three-man committee to find suitable candidates and shortlisted Whatmore as one of five candidates.

Whatmore, who played seven Tests and one one-day international for Australia in 1979, is favourite to take the job since resigning from Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders.

Whatmore also guided Bangladesh to the Super Six stages of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Whatmore said it will be a challenge coaching a talented Pakistan side.