Cricket Australia wants Arthur as coach: Report

Johannesburg:

Former South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has been approached by the Cricket Australia, which wants him to replace Tim Nielsen as the national coach, a report said here on Thursday.

According to African daily Beeld, Arthur, who guided South Africa to semifinal of 2007 ODI World Cup in the West Indies, has been approached by both Cricket Australia (CA) and West Australia.

The CA wants to replace Nielsen with Arthur, while the latter wants him to take over from Tom Moody as coach when his contract expires.

Arthur, who resigned in January as South Africa coach following a relationship breakdown with captain Graeme Smith, confirmed that he would be leaving for Perth on Saturday to talk to West Australian administrators.

He, however, neither denied nor confirmed reports that said he has been approached by Australia's national board.

Arthur was chosen by West Australia above former India coach John Wright and former Australia batsman Geoff Marsh, Beeld quoted a source as saying.

Arthur is a sought-after coach since guiding South Africa to their first Test victory in Australia as well as a Test win in England, besides guiding the team to World Cup's final-four round.

The coach had earlier turned down an offer from Pakistan Cricket Board to guide the side on their tour of England, but informed sources said it was because Pakistan could not match the salary he asked for.