Singapore gets short-term boost with former Australian Test cricketer as coach
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Geoff Lawson is on a contract till the end of the Nov 6-16 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
SINGAPORE – The Singapore Cricket Association (SCA) will be hoping for a short-term shot in the arm with the appointment of former Australian Test cricketer and former Pakistan coach, Geoff Lawson, as national coach on a temporary basis.
The 66-year-old is on a contract till the end of the Nov 6-16 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League, a qualifying tournament for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
SCA president Mahmood Gaznavi said: “We are thrilled to get someone of Lawson’s qualities and stature. The last time we had an Australian big name was Trevor Chappell and he did wonders for us.
“We expect Lawson to infuse greater enthusiasm as players avail themselves of good-quality coaching and mentoring.
“SCA will look to hire a coach on a longer-term basis once we have a cricket facility of our own that is up and running so that we can have better and more efficient utilisation of a coach.”
In February, the SCA was granted a new national training centre located at West Coast Ground. Ongoing refurbishment works are expected to be completed by March. In the interim, the team continue to train at the Singapore Indian Association fields at least thrice a week.
Lawson, who is currently a selector for the New South Wales state cricket team, said he was introduced to the SCA by Chappell – who coached Singapore in multiple stints from 2009 to 2012 – and was excited by the prospect of helping the Republic.
He added: “I have done work in men and women’s cricket around the world because I think it is important to try and help other countries in the world in the cricket space.
“Of course, the objective is to do well in the matches we play in November and hopefully put ourselves in a good place to qualify for the next stage. I would like to improve the young players in the team. My goal is to pass on my knowledge and help improve this team.”
The 12 teams in the Cricket World Cup Challenge League are split into two groups of six, with the top two from each group securing places at the World Cup qualifier play-off.
Teams will play three round-robin series from 2024 to 2026. Singapore are in Challenge League B with Bahrain, Hong Kong, Italy, Tanzania and hosts Uganda.
The first series of qualification matches will take place from Nov 6 to 16.
Gaznavi said: “We are sending a mixed side and providing an opportunity to many youngsters. This is a perfect chance for the younger players to shape their cricketing stance and for the senior players to pick up subtle skills from a renowned cricketer.”
National captain Manpreet Singh, 30, said that the target for the team is “advancing in the tournament and aiming for a strong finish”.
He said of Lawson: “His extensive experience and strong values will have a significant impact on Team Singapore. Even in a short-term stint, I am sure he will have a significant impact on the team by instilling valuable skills, strategies, and a positive mindset.
“Additionally, he can set a clear vision and motivate players to adopt a strong work ethic, which can lead to lasting improvements even after his tenure ends.”
