Inzamam gives the thumbs-up to Whatmore

Whatmore's likely to be the next Pakistan coach, says Inzamam © AFP

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain, has backed Dav Whatmore to be appointed as coach of the Pakistan team. "He has a lot of experience and a strong coaching background like Bob [Woolmer] did,"Inzamam told Reuters. "He appears most likely to be selected as coach."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has interviewed three Australians - Whatmore, Geoff Lawson and Richard Done - for the coaching position which fell vacant after the death of Woolmer during the World Cup in March.

Inzamam, who retired from ODIs and stepped down as captain after Pakistan's early exit from the World Cup, said Whatmore had a lot of experience working in the cricket set-up in the region.

"He has coached Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and produced good results. So I think he is the one the board will eventually select.

"The Pakistani players need an experienced and strong coach like Woolmer to guide them and get the best performances out of them. I have always said our team needs a qualified coach."

Inzamam had earlier also stated his intention of wanting to continue playing Test cricket.