The Western Warriors have a new coach, with a new mantra and persona. But the playing list for 2010-11 seems to resemble exactly what his predecessor tried to operate with.
Mickey Arthur, has arrived at the WACA with the reputation of being a disciplinarian. A man who strongly believes in the idea that, it’s my way or the highway.
The first significant mark of Arthur’s reign has been the 2010-11 contracted players list, which the WACA released last week.
No, Mark Cosgrove is an interesting one.
As WA desperately needed another quality bat to cope with the comings and goings of Marcus North, Shaun Marsh and Adam Voges. Not to mention Mike Hussey’s lack of appearances.
Interestingly, Cosgrove is currently without a home as all states have lodged their initial lists.
It will be interesting to see if any state takes the punt.
WA won’t be, as Arthur has ruled a line through Cosgrove.
Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitch Marsh, Matt Johnston and Michael Swart have all been awarded full contracts in a non-surprising move.
These players, formed the basis of the four day and one day sides towards the end of last season under Tom Moody.
Marsh is a tremendous talent. However, Arthur saying he could be the next Jacques Kallis is putting immense pressure on the boy.
Hopefully he can ignore those comments and continue his development as a quality all rounder.
Swart and Johnston made giant strides toward the end of the season; they thoroughly deserve their contracts.
It’s these guys, who can listen to Arthur, and develop what Arthur needs to help start WA’s revival.
Continual injury has forced the WACA’s hand on Ben Edmondson. A very handy bowler in all formats when fully fit.
But, the fact is, he wasn’t fit enough and has been moved on.
The big out is all rounder Theo Dororpoulos: Inconsistency with both bat and ball have led to his demise for the time being.
Doropoulos is clearly a very talented individual, but producing one great innings a season and backing it up with several poor scores isn’t going to make the grade under Arthur.
Martin Paskal from Sydney grade cricket fills the void left by Edmondson’s axing.
While the decision to recruit left arm orthodox spinner Michael Beer from St Kilda seems a little perplexing.
WA already has Aaron Heal, who operates effectively in one-day cricket, and when he gets the occasional opportunity in four-day fixtures.
Arthur, described Beer as arguably one of the best spinners outside of the state system. Clearly he hasn’t seen much grade cricket in Perth.
Scarborough leg spinner Ty Hopes took 43 wickets at 18.40 last season, which included 8-75 in one match.
Whilst former WA rookie fast bowler Pat Molinari has put together two solid seasons in grade cricket with the ball.
Others are lucky to be in the squad and maybe the first season under Arthur will be very much a testing the waters scenario.
Grade cricketers in Perth should take note that chances could be on the way, while current squad members need to be on their game to ensure they stay in the side.
Whiteline
Guest
Tony the problem is much wider than the playing squad - the coach doesn't have the power to address things out of his control!
Tony Pingelly
Guest
If there is a culture problem, why didn't this high profile South African coach address the problem before the first game?
Lolly
Guest
It really annoys me that he has already come out and talked that sort of rubbish about Mitch Marsh. I wish the press and 'mouthpieces' of the game would leave that lad alone and let him develop without the continual speculation. Still getting rid of Theo D was a good move. Considering the Warriors mediocre batting performances all through 2009/10, even with his weight issues, Cossy could only have helped the batting line-up.
Whiteline
Guest
I think the role of a nanny is much harder and pays a lot less!
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
Agreed,Whiteline,lets change their name to NANNIES!
Whiteline
Guest
Vinay, It seems Jordan might know a bit about how it works in WA. Perhaps he replies to this. With all due respect, the coaches role is not all about techniques etc, it's much greater than that in today's cricket world. Maybe someone outside of Warnie and Damien Martyn could give you an insight. If we changed the term 'coach' to something else then they may be more accepted by the old time boys.
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
Whiteline, thanks for the update. I think DK's reputation will endure a lot longer than Arthur's. I do not deny that a good coach can help in coaching juniors and less experienced players. But i fail to see how engaging the wider community can translate into improved performances on the paddock. If the players themselves do not have sufficient morivation than nothing will help them. I believe coaches are over rated in sofar as the skills they impart. If you reach the First Class level you already have the skill sets and then it becomes a mental game and a question of knowing yourself..your strengths and limitations. Coaches are fine in the period 12 to 17years and in the Academies. By the time you play Sheffield Shield you just need to practice till you drop.Coaches nowadays at the elite level are just glorified nannies.
Whiteline
Guest
Vinay, Dennis Lillee has been 'around the scene' in some capacity for the best part of a decade. He was basically brought in as President of the WACA as part of an overhaul of the Executive Committee and staff at the time. The President is the figurehead of the Association, a role which Dennis has performed in a satisfactory manner. Whilst this is not a judgement on Lillee, a person's reputation only lasts so long and this will be Arthur's test. I think the coach potentially makes a HUGE difference in a state cricket environment. Coaching the squad is part of it but by engaging the wider cricket community (which it seems MA is doing - read my comments above) you can have a massive influence on what happens. If all the staff and associated stakeholders are backing and believing in you and your mission then a groundswell soon develops - just as it can go the other way very quickly.... as we have seen in WA in recent times.
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
Jordan, what is Dennis Lillee's influence on the direction of WA cricket. As President of the State Association does he bring an aura with him. I would have thought with his never say die attitude he would be an inspiration to WA's cricketers. There is an inherent problem in sheffield Shield when the international players are unavailable. The coach can only do so much. In the end you have to learn in the middle and playing against better players is the only way to improve. I suspect it is the same in India, South Africa and England. When the best players rarely play for their domestic teams then the development of the up and comers is going to stall. I don't think a coach is suddenly going to transform a side. There are more factors than this. A coach can engender a culture and I hope it is a positive culture under Arthur. Many South african teams have been held back by a conservatism under pressure.
Jordan McArdle
Roar Rookie
i wrote an article on perthnow.com.au about Matt Johnston, and WA cricket in general. http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/willetton-all-rounder-matt-johnston-regains-place-in-wa-warriors-squad/story-e6frg1wu-1225865638712
Jordan McArdle
Roar Rookie
i have high hopes for Wa this year, new coach, new players, and hopefully a new attitude!
Whiteline
Guest
Word is that Micky has already spoken to ALL the first garde coaches at the clubs in Perth, phoned Tricky Ricky and asked him what he is looking for from WA players and spoken to those at Cricket Australia about the direction needed. He also has made himself familar with ALL staff at the WACA..... Big Moods will soon be a part of ancient history...... seems like an excellent start to me! Drewster, I think WA cricket might have it's best chance of starting a new culture. It needs to after 10 years of mediocrity.
drewster
Roar Pro
He can't do much worse than Moody who ignored grade performances for Names and Reputations. Paul Davis is one name that springs to mind Having taken over 50 wickets last season but lost his contract under Moody. The rookie list is interesting and somewhat bemusing with Tom Beaton as an example, who was a member of the Aust U/19 World Cup winning Squad but only averaged about 20 with the bat in grade cricket. It will be a sceptical wait and see season for us Warriors Fans.