The other contenders are Whatmore's compatriots Richard Done and Geoff Lawson, who were interviewed earlier this week.

"Every team poses different challenges and Pakistan would be a challenge, but I am confident given the chance I would do my best," Whatmore told reporters after his two-hour interview.

"This is a great opportunity working with a good board and a team so I am eager on this.

"Pakistan is a top team and my priority will be to help them improve and produce the best results."

Whatmore will also meet the Pakistan team, who are currently training in Abbottabad for next month's tour of Scotland.

"A good team learns from its mistakes and Pakistan will have to do that after a disappointing World Cup," said Whatmore of Pakistan's first round exit from the event after a loss to minnows Ireland.

The PCB panel is due to submit its report on the next coach to the board in the next few days, with a final decision expected next month.

Good experience

Whatmore, who played seven Tests for Australia in 1980s, has extensive international coaching experience, having had two spells in charge of Sri Lanka, during which he guided them to victory at the 1996 World Cup.

He also helped Bangladesh improve their standings at international level, with the Tigers qualifying for the second round of the World Cup in the Caribbean two months ago.

Before leaving Bangladesh, Whatmore expressed an interest in coaching India following the resignation of Greg Chappell, who failed to take the team beyond the first round at the World Cup.

However Whatmore was surprisingly snubbed by Indian cricket chiefs, who were in turn rejected by South African Graham Ford and Englishman John Emburey, and are still looking for a coach.

Asked who he would choose from if India and Pakistan both offered him the job at the same time, Whatmore said: "Since I am here I want this job."