I have been a fierce critic of the selections in India, homeworkgate and the leniency shown to Warner under the coaching tenure of Mickey Arthur.
Listening to Arthur’s interview’s since his sacking and learning of the death of his mother, he has been nothing but a picture of class and professionalism.
It makes you wonder how this kind of example didn’t transfer to the players, a number of whom have not demonstrated either of these chacteristics.
While I agreed that the appointment of new coach was needed, Arthur leaves with my respect.
I also have a feeling that while the buck does stop with him, he is taking the fall for the players. This is a group of players who have been underperforming, who think they are better then they are and are carrying egos much larger then they deserve. Unless Boof can knock the air out of these egos I fear it may be a while before we see changes.
It would be very interesting to hear Arthur’s views of what really went on behind closed doors with no microphones nearby.
It will be interesting to see if anyone else is held accountable. Will Inverarity be held accountable for some terrible selections? Pat Howard seems to be untouchable. What about James Sutherland? Should the buck stop at the very top?
Arthur has been held accountable for a team that looked poorly coached, who will be next?
Speaking of untouchable, I think there lies one of the big problems. There are a couple of players in the Australian team who have underperformed for some time but seem untouchable.
Watson hasn’t made runs for some time yet his position seems set in concrete. Maybe competition for his spot could help lift his performance? He needs to know that if he doesn’t make runs then that’s it, someone else who does will come in.
I think this was one of Arthur’s big mistakes, dropping Watson then bringing him back as vice-captain. It was like they discplined him but then massaged his ego to keep the toys in the pram.
Boof has a big challenge ahead. He can start by bursting a few egos and telling the players they must perform to keep their positon, and if they don’t then they should start looking over their shoulder. This includes things like fielding, running between wickets and professionalism of the team.
Something didn’t work with Mickey Arthur as coach, the results showed that. The team culture showed that. But Mickey himself seems to be a man of class and professionalism.
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