Arthur cocks a snook at critics

By Baidurjo Bose | Mail Today – Tue 12 Mar, 2013 10:32 AM IST

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 09: Mickey Arthur, coach of Australia, looks on before day one of the First Test …
While critics have already started questioning the Australian team’s preparation for the upcoming Ashes series looking at the team’s performance in India, coach Mickey Arthur believes there is no link between the two.

Arthur said the team’s current focus was only on the challenge that the Indian tour was presenting and that thinking about the Ashes is not only incorrect, but also looking too far ahead.

“We are at the moment facing a massive challenge from the Indian team and the focus right now is to do well here and not think about the Ashes. I think the critics are thinking too far ahead and also, they need to realise that the Ashes won’t be played on turning wickets that we are being dished out here in India,” the South African said.

“This is the first Indian tour for most of our boys and I would like them to not only learn the art of playing spin from this series, but also enjoy the challenges. They have been exposed as it is unusual for them to face such talented spinners on these kinds of wickets. So the focus should wholly be on India at present,” he said.

Arthur admitted that this was in all probability the toughest challenge that he has faced in his coaching career.

“I have been the coach of two very successful teams — first South Africa and now Australia — and I must admit that this is probably the toughest challenge that I have faced. This is definitely a massive year for me as a coach,” he said.

Commenting on the team playing a game of basketball on Saturday in Mohali after two big defeats in Chennai and Hyderabad, Arthur defended his boys.

“If you remember, we trained on the fourth day after the match ended ( in Hyderabad) and even on the fifth day to get a feel of the wicket. After that we travelled to Mohali and the boys were given just two days of rest. And that is when they played basketball. We were again back to serious business from yesterday. So I see nothing wrong in it,” he said.

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