My style 'poles apart' from Jennings's: Arthur

Mickey Arthur, the new South African coach, has stated that his coaching style is "poles apart" from Ray Jennings's, the man he has replaced. Speaking on the television cricket show, Extra Cover, Arthur said: "I have a vision going forward and while I believe in strong discipline, I also want my players to play with a smile on their faces." Jennings's controversial coaching method drew adverse reactions, but it also brought favourable results, with South Africa thrashing West Indies in both the Tests and the one-day series recently.

Jennings had made a strong bid to keep the job after that tour, but Arthur insisted that there was no bad blood between the two. "I received an SMS from Ray congratulating me on my selection as coach, and I really appreciate that," he said, indicating that he would get in touch with Jennings to get feedback on the team. He also stated that the players' first reactions were splendid, with Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis being the first ones to congratulate him.

Looking ahead to his job, Arthur said: "Graeme Smith and I have bought into the same vision for the future of South African cricket. What I intend to do is to reduce the pressure that he faces off the field. I've got to come in, make my mark and earn the team's support."

Arthur played for Free State and Griqualand West, and retired from first-class only four years back after scoring 6657 runs at 33.45. He was the coach of Eastern Cape before being given charge of the national team. Arthur's first assignment will be a home series against New Zealand in October 2005, after which he will face the slightly more daunting task of beating Australia in their own den.