Akram bats for Whatmore as Pakistan coach

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes the appointment of Dav Whatmore as the coach of the national cricket team will be a step in the right direction, but also stressed that Mohsin Khan's contribution should not go unnoticed.

After much deliberation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to appoint Australia's Whatmore, and Englishman Julien Fountain, as head coach and fielding coach, respectively, but the official announcement is likely to take place only after the ongoing series against England concludes in the UAE.

"Coaching is not just about skill and experience. It is about man-management as well, which Dav is very good at. He will instill discipline and extract the best out of our players. From my experience of working with him at Kolkata Knight Riders, I can definitely vouch for him," said Akram.

However, the decision to appoint Whatmore would mean Mohsin, who has had a brilliant run as interim coach, will have to step down. The PCB though is keen to give him the chief selector's role and Akram feels it would be a wise move.

"Given the circumstances in which Mohsin took over, he has done a remarkable job. It is not easy to handle a side, knowing well that you may not be around for too long. I think handing him the role of selector is a wise move," said the former pacer.

Since Mohsin took over as coach, Pakistan managed to register Test and ODI series wins over Sri Lanka, before a whitewash of England in the Test series in UAE.

Meanwhile, Whatmore was instrumental in guiding Sri Lanka to their maiden World Cup title in 1996, before he took over as Bangladesh coach in 2003, and Akram said the Aussie's vast experience in the sub-continent would come in handy.

"Dav Whatmore's experience of working in the sub-continent will definitely help him adjust to Pakistan and how the system work here," Akram told ESPNSTAR.com.

"Apart from his vast experience as coach, the fact that his association with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has been fruitful, will add value to his credentials and stature," he added.

Whatmore had transformed Bangladesh from a side that could hardly win, to a team which could test the very best on their day.