Cricket : Arthur upbeat on talent ; wants to develop players in new stint

Mickey Arthur, the new Consultant Head Coach of Sri Lanka’s cricket team today (Dec 5) said his primary goal is to "see players develop" under his eyes.

"I was very excited because the cricket talent is here," Arthur said in his first news conference, when queried about his decision to take up the new role.

The new coach, of South African origin, holds the credit of coaching the South African, Australian, and Pakistani national teams prior to his present assignment.

He was among other new appointments which included Grant Flower as Batting Coach, David Sekar as Fast Bowling Coach, and Shane McDermott as fielding coach.

Spelling out his plans, Arthur explained his task would be to help young players in fulfilling their potential and to form a consistent group of players within the team.

“We want to go and win every game we play. But I think for me the key is to see the guys develop,” the consultant head coach reiterated.

He said he would provide the players with a one-year programme to assist them in sharpening their skills and enhancing their performances.

Arthur asserted he would never compromise on discipline, value, and standards while building a team. “I always say the intensity that you train with is what you take into the game."

The consultant head coach who oversaw the team's practice session this morning said he set “non-negotiable” targets for the players to be achieved in all formats of the game.

He was positive about the management of Sri Lanka Cricket and the coaching team.

(Pics by Priyanka Samareewaera)