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Former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson said on Monday he was honoured to be a candidate to coach Pakistan, saying it was one of the top jobs in world cricket.

Lawson, 49, is one of three Australians shortlisted to replace Bob Woolmer along with former Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore and Richard Done. “I am honoured and feel great pride to be among the running candidates.

“Pakistan have a bright future and that’s what took me here,” Lawson told reporters in Bhurban. “It is one of the most important jobs in world cricket. I am actually in the running and it is great to be back in Pakistan after 25 years,” said Lawson, part of the Australian team who lost 3-0 in a Test series here in 1982.

Lawson, who took 180 wickets in 46 Tests between 1980 to 1987, arrived here early Monday and was interviewed by a three-member Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) panel in the afternoon. He admitted he was initially reluctant to come but changed his mind after last week’s announcement by Jamaican police that Woolmer died of natural causes and was not murdered, as initially announced.

“It is fair to say that I changed my mind after it was announced Woolmer died of natural causes. I mean, there could not have been any other reason and had it been I would not have been here,” said Lawson.

The Australian said it was “disappointing” to see Pakistan dumped out of the World Cup by outsiders Ireland in March. “They are impressive when they play well and are frustrating when they play bad but they still are a good group of men who can be motivated,” Lawson said of the Pakistan team, whom he will meet on Tuesday (today). “I have been a great admirer of Pakistan players, having watched their matches in early mornings in Australia and met some players” while working with the media, he said.