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Pakistani cricket officials continue to make desperate attempt to rope in an experienced and qualified coach for their team and have now reportedly contacted former Australian Test cricketer Steve Rixon for the job.

Rixon, who played 13 Tests Australia as a wicket-keeper from 1977-84, has, however, made it clear that the unexplained death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer had left him in doubt whether he wanted the job and he has not officially applied.

According to Cricinfo, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was reportedly impressed by Rixon’s successful stretch as New Zealand’s coach from 1996 to 1999, and specifically his work with Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming.

Rixon, 53, said whether he put in for the Pakistan position might depend on what police uncovered about Woolmer’s death in Jamaica at the World Cup.

“They (Pakistan) have made contact with me, I have spoken to them,” Rixon was quoted as saying on Wednesday. “I haven’t indicated whether I’m interested yet. I’m finding it extremely hard to get over the fact Bob Woolmer is no longer with us, to be honest. I’d never say never, but I’ll be interested in the results of the inquiry,” he added.

Currently there are still senior coaching vacancies in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Without naming specific nations, Rixon confirmed he had “spoken to a few different countries” but had not committed to applying for any of the roles.

The Sydney-based Rixon said coaching on the subcontinent would be a very different challenge, if he chose to pursue it. “It’s something that’s not grabbing me and saying ëyou’ve got to come and do it’,” Rixon said of a potential move to Asia. “But who knows? This interest might be the spark that gets me there,” he added.

Pakistan have also expressed interest in Dav Whatmore, another former Australian Test cricketer, who recently quit as Bangladesh coach. Whatmore, however, is more interested in signing a contract with India.
Source:The News