Former South African coach Mickey Arthur was named as the new coach of Australia. He has numerous responsibilities including that of being on the revamped selection panel and ensuring the coaching values and structure of all state sides are consistent with the national team’s future goals. Arthur was born in South Africa and coached the South African national side for the period between 2005 and 2010 before joining as coach of the Western Australia domestic side.
Mickey Arthur appointed new coach of Australia
Arthur was instrumental in South Africa’s rise from patchiness to excellence which also saw them winning their first Test series win in Australia and topped the ODI rankings chart in 2008. He was hugely responsible for Graeme Smith evolving as a successful Captain and the combination saw South Africa play their best cricket. Former South African bowler Shaun Pollock said, “He’s got a good understanding for the game and he will challenge the play. He’s not scared to take on and confront issues, but I think he would be defined more as a man manager.”
Mickey Arthur is the first ever foreign coach of Australia and will be taking over the reins for the first Test match between Australia and New Zealand starting on December 1 in Brisbane. Other competitors for the post were Tom Moody, Steve Rixon and Justin Langer. His selection comes as a surprise as Cricket Australia is said to stick with Australians traditionally and the Team is currently going through a bad patch putting more pressure on Arthur.
After resigning as South African Coach due to apparent differences between him and Cricket South Africa, Arthur has been part of the Australian domestic cricket scene. He seized the opportunity to try for the job after Tim Nielsen announced his resignation at the expiry of his contract. “Once Tim vacated the role [at the end of the Sri Lanka series] then it got serious. It was too good an opportunity not to have a look at, so I think I became interested once the advertisement went out for the post”, said Arthur.
Mickey seems prepared for the challenge and looks to have a good relationship with Captain Michael Clarke to forge better performances. “I’m really excited to work with Michael Clarke, he’s an incredible talent and I’ve been very excited by the way he’s gone about his captaincy. I think since he’s taken over he’s been innovative, he’s captained with a lot of flair, and I’m really looking forward to supporting him”, he said.
With the number of structural changes in the Aussie side including the Captain and the Coach being part of the selection panel, all eyes will be on Arthur to see how he helps Australia become the success story they once were. Plotting against Australia from the South African viewpoint and now restructuring the Australian side all together will be two totally different challenges and Arthur with his experience and demeanor will look to do justice to it.
Tags: Australia, Coach, Cricket, Cricket Australia, Mickey Arthur
