Mickey Arthur Joins New Team As Head Coach

Days after failing to secure a contract extension from Pakistan, Mickey Arthur has been appointed the coach of Central Stags for the upcoming T20 Super Smash 2019-20. In the wake of the disastrous World Cup campaign, Pakistan decided against renewing the contract of Mickey Arthur.

Under his guidance Pakistan became the number one ranked test and T20 side. He coached Pakistan to the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy title with a stunning 180 run victory against arch-rivals India in the finals.

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The historic win in the Champions Trophy saw Pakistan handing a two-year extension to Arthur. However, things have not really gone well in recent times for Pakistan under Arthur. Earlier this year, Pakistan lost the Test, ODI and T20I series in South Africa. Australia then whitewashed them in a five-match ODI series before England blanked them four nil.

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Pakistan’s World Cup campaign also started on a dismal note. They did manage to win their last four games but it was too late by then. They eventually crashed out of the tournament at the group stage. Well, Mickey Arthur did not have to wait long for his new job. He will have his task cut out for the Central Stags as they are the defending champions.

?BREAKING NEWS?

We are extremely proud to announce MICKEY ARTHUR is our Central Stags #T20 coach for 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣!
Welcome, Mickey!

Full story? https://t.co/UnaCoZrgne#LOVETHESTAGS ?#CricketNation #SuperSmashNZ pic.twitter.com/j2WMcdRNa6

— Central Stags ? (@CentralStags) September 18, 2019

Arthur, however, is vastly experienced. He has coached around the world, including stints with South Africa (2005-10) and Australia (2011-13), and in Caribbean, Bangladesh and Pakistan T20 leagues.

“I have always admired New Zealand cricket and to work in the system is going to be very exciting,” said Mickey Arthur.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait to help the Central Stags defend the title, but also to contribute to an environment of excellence and enhance the skills of the cricketers,’ he added.

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The Stags have contested three straight T20 finals with a squad that features big names like Ross Taylor, Doug Bracewell, Adam Milne, Seth Rance, George Worker, Tom Bruce, Ben Wheeler and Ajaz Patel.

The Stags begin their title defence against the Northern Knights on December 18.