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Rediff.com  » Cricket » Arthur's toughness questioned

Arthur's toughness questioned

By Telford Vice
May 20, 2005 11:31 IST
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New national coach Mickey Arthur is regarded as one of the nice guys of South African cricket but his ability to cope with the pressure in one of the most complex jobs in the sport will be key to his success.

Cricket South Africa on Thursday confirmed Arthur as replacement for interim coach Ray Jennings, whose six-month contract expired at the end of the tour of West Indies last weekend.

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Arthur, who was 37 on Tuesday, had been considered a lightweight candidate against the more prominent names of Australians Rod Marsh, Geoff Marsh, Steve Rixon and Tom Moody, who had been linked to the position.

"I've already proved that I am tough enough," Arthur said. "I try to create a good environment, but if someone steps out of line he will be pulled back, he will know the consequences."

A respected former opening batsman for Griqualand West and Free State, Arthur coached Griquas from 2001 until he took over at the Eastern Cap Warriors in February last year.

Arthur had scant success as Griquas coach but guided the Warriors to the final of the provincial 20 overs-a-side competition for the past two seasons.

Warriors captain Pieter Strydom said it remained to be seen whether Arthur was firm enough for the job but pointed out the coach had previously acted swiftly to quell problems in the team.

"We had some difficult people in our side this year, but when the problems arose he tackled them head on and immediately and the guys respected him for that," Strydom said.

But another Warriors player was non-committal about Arthur's toughness.

"That's the one area in which he will face questions," the player, who declined to be named, said.

"I hope the CSA isn't appointing him just because they think they will be able to walk all over him, that's what some people are worried about."

Arthur's position demands an intimate understanding of and acceptance to work within South Africa's socio-political climate as much as it does coaching ability.

The United Cricket Board has committed itself to developing the largely white sport throughout the country's majority black population.

But few black players have emerged at international level, a perennial subject of debate in government circles.

 

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Telford Vice
Source: REUTERS
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