Smith sees Arthur's vision

2005-09-22 21:38

Christo Buchner

Johannesburg - Mickey Arthur is a man with a vision.

South Africa's cricket captain, Graeme Smith, says this differentiates the new coach from his immediate predecessors.

Smith talked openly about his relationship with Arthur, his team-mates, the previous coach and allegations that he and Kevin Pietersen cannot stand one another.

"What I like about Mickey is that he has a finely-tuned plan for the road ahead. This was lacking the past two years. The coaches before Mickey did not really have a plan on the table."

Differences

Smith was referring to Eric Simons and Ray Jennings, saying he and Jennings had numerous differences of opinion.

Smith said: "Yes, we had differences and they are still there. We did not agree about the direction the South African team were heading.

"It is nonsense that I worked (Jennings) out of his post. I heard the day we returned from our tour of the West Indies that Mickey was the new coach.

"I did not have anything to do with the interviews conducted with the candidates on the shortlist. If they had appointed Jennings as full-time coach, we would have had to find a way to work together and sort out our differences.

"The atmosphere in the camp is much better with Mickey as coach. The two of us had held several insightful talks. I like his attitude and vision," Smith said.

There is an amiable atmosphere among the players and everyone is getting on well and working together.

Grinned

Smith grinned when asked about Pietersen's statement that many of his team-mates did not like him at all.

"It does not surprise me at all that he said that. We really don't like one another."

"I get on very well with my team-mates and we like each others' company. Obviously it will happen that as captain I reprimand someone now and again. The guys have to accept it, because I want this team to be successful.

"It is not aimed at any individual, but I expect the standard set should be met by everyone," the captain said.

- Beeld