Khan relaxed over Pakistan coaching future

Interim team coach Mohsin Khan said Wednesday he will have no problem with the Pakistan Cricket Board if he does not get the role full time. Khan has led Pakistan to series wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh since replacing Waqar Younis in October 2011 and is now preparing the team to face top-ranked test side England. The 56-year-old has applied for the permanent position, but local media reports suggest Australian coach Dav Whatmore is the favorite to take over. Whatmore resigned as coach of Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders last week and is expected to arrive in Pakistan later this month for discussions with PCB officials. "I have no ego problems, whatever decision the PCB makes," Khan told a news conference. A three-member committee appointed by the PCB finalized its recommendations on Wednesday, but the new coach is not expected to be named until after the series against England, beginning Jan. 17. Head of the committee Intikhab Alam said he received around 30 applications for the posts of Pakistan head coach, batting coach, bowling coach and fielding coach. "I can only tell you that whoever is appointed as head coach will also be the batting coach," Alam told reporters, without revealing the names of the shortlisted candidates. The committee will send its recommendations to the PCB chairman in a couple of days after which Alam said candidates will be called for interviews. "We have also recommended that the Pakistan team should have a set of coaches for a two-year term," Alam said. Khan was chief selector when Waqar resigned. "I am ready to help Pakistan cricket in whichever capacity the PCB wants it," Khan said. "My services are always available to the Pakistan Cricket Board because whatever I am today it is because of Pakistan." After victories in test, ODI and Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Khan's Pakistan team faces a much stiffer test against England. "The balance of the England team is very good," Khan said. "Their pace attack, their spin attack, their batting order is very good." Fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad and spinner Graeme Swann are rated among the top five test bowlers, while Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen are in the batting top 10. Khan believes Pakistan has enough bowling resources to challenge England's batsmen. "I can say it proudly that Saeed Ajmal is probably the best offspinner in the world," Khan said. Ajmal was the leading wicket-taker in test cricket in 2011 with 50 and could be effective on the slow wickets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi — where the three test matches will be held. "Then we also have fast bowler Umar Gul and (Mohammad) Hafeez who plays important role with his off-spin in Test matches," Khan added. "I think it will be a combination of pace attack and spin attack from both sides and the pressure will be on batsmen of both teams." Pakistan leaves for Dubai on Jan. 9 after a four-day training camp in Lahore.