Former Proteas coach takes charge of Sri Lanka in new stint

Sri Lanka have roped in a new head coach after a fall-out with the former head coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, over the country’s exit at the group stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup in England earlier this year.

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Replacing him is Mickey Arthur, the ex-South Africa, Australia and Pakistan coach, who takes over with immediate effect on a two-year contract. The 51-year-old South African was reportedly in talks with the England national cricket team as a potential successor to Trevor Bayliss.

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Pakistan’s triumph at the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 remains one of the major highlights of Arthur’s coaching career (Image: ICC).

Arthur had been in charge of the Pakistan cricket team for three years and led them to the 2017 Champions Trophy title. But Pakistan decided not to renew his contract in August after the country failed to reach the semi-finals of the England showpiece.

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After coaching South Africa from 2005 to 2010 – during which time the Proteas achieved the number one position in the ICC Test Team Rankings, and earned victory over England in an away Test series for the first time in over four decades – Arthur said he was primed for his next coaching stint with a top international side.

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Arthur replaced Tim Nielsen as head coach of Australia in 2011 before being succeeded by Darren Lehmann in 2013 (Image: Sourced).

It had been three very good years with Pakistan and I needed a little bit of time away. The Sri Lankan job became available and I started discussions. I looked at the talent that’s available and that’s the key motivating factor; to help these young players fulfil their potential.

Mickey Arthur

Arthur’s first assignment will see him return to Pakistan for a two-match Test series starting on December 11. Zimbabwean Grant Flower will join Arthur’s support staff as batting coach, while Australians David Saker and Shane McDermott will fill the roles of bowling and fielding coaches, respectively.