Arthur's appointment is a sign of the times
Australia's move for the South African coach Mickey Arthur is an indication of a new realism and humility, writes Vic Marks in the Guardian .
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
Australia's move for the South African coach Mickey Arthur is an indication of a new realism and humility, writes Vic Marks in the Guardian.
Like many of the best coaches Arthur does not appear to have an ego; he does not crave attention; he recognises the primacy of the captain in running a successful cricket team. We have seen that he can work extremely effectively with a strong, decisive captain, for that is what Smith has undoubtedly been for South Africa over the past few years. He can dovetail effectively, relieving the captain's burden, filling in the gaps.
The temptation for Australia now is to believe that they are only as good as their last match. Fortunately, that falsism never was applied to Don Bradman. Now Australia, under new management, again must show themselves to be better than that, writes Greg Baum in the Sydney Morning Herald.
India await, with New Zealand as an entree. England is far ahead of anyone else in the world now, but, fortunately, also distant in Australia's program. One thing is certain: whatever changes are on the new selectors' minds, they must make them immediately. The idea of valedictory appearances against New Zealand makes no sense. Cheap runs and wickets would only cloud the picture. New Zealand treats series against Australia as their Ashes, and will give an honest contest. But in their most recent Test, they only narrowly escaped defeat by Zimbabwe.
George Binoy is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo