Former fast bowler Lawson, 49, succeeded onetime England batsman Bob Woolmer, who died during the World Cup in the Caribbean four months ago. He edged out two other short-listed Australians, Dav Whatmore and Richard Done.

"I am excited that he is coming to Pakistan, it's thrilling. He can lift us to that level where we can become the world beaters," said Akhtar.

"I have always loved the Australian mentality. They only play to win and even if they lose they put up their best till the end," he added.

"I am confident that Lawson will help us beat Australia because he will know their weaknesses and strong points."

Akhtar said teams from the subcontinent, especially Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, have benefited from Australian coaching. Dav Whatmore has coached both.

"Australian thinking is different from the subcontinent. They acquire knowledge about minor things and work on them while subcontinental people think differently," the paceman said.

The 31-year Akhtar, nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express after his hometown, has been plagued by injuries. He only returned to the Pakistan team last month after missing the World Cup in March.

Lawson has said that Akhtar is key to Pakistan's success.

"He's a vital cog to them being top of the tree," Lawson said after meeting Akhtar last month.

Akhtar said Lawson's appointment would help him and fellow pacemen.

"He (Lawson) is someone who believes fast bowlers can win matches and I will definitely be able to lift the level of my performance under him. Once the fast bowlers deliver the team will benefit," he said.

"Even Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor benefited from Lawson's help when they played alongside him in New South Wales, so he must have something which worked."

Akhtar said the team is gearing up for an exciting but tough season ahead.

"This current Pakistan team has a young captain in Shoaib Malik and it has worked extensively to be the fittest. The atmosphere is very good and we are gearing up for the challenges ahead," said Akhtar.