Micky Arthur has decided to end his stint with Sri Lanka as head coach after failing to secure extension for another term, Cricket Age reliably learns. Accordingly, upcoming two test match home series against West Indies will be his last assignment with Sri Lanka.
“Sad that it is the end of the road with Sri Lanka after the West Indies test series ! I have loved every minute of coaching this great country! To the players and people of SL a big thank you!” Mickey Arthur tweeted on Wednesday.
“I know SL cricket is in a better place now than when I started!” he added.
It has learnt that Arthur to join Derbyshire CCC as Head Of Cricket after end of Sri Lanka stint.
The 2014 champions came through the qualifiers and lost three of their five Super 12 stage games to see their semi-final hopes evaporate. The young team under Dasun Shanaka, did not go without a fight, however, especially against unbeaten Group I leaders England, and second-placed South Africa. Young guns performance, in particular, won many hearts. Four of their batsmen made half-centuries with 23-year-old opener Pathum Nissanka grabbing two fifties. Wanindu Hasaranga, the team’s 24-year-old leg spinner, was one of the tournament’s revelations with 14 wickets at a staggering average of just under 10.
Arthur’s performance, however, remained lacklustre! Though, he is desperately trying to take credit for some eye catching individual performances, the reality is that prior to the start of this World Cup, Sri Lanka had won just seven of their last 30 completed T20Is, dating back to the start of 2019 – three of which came in a single series against Pakistan.
Arthur, who previously coached South Africa, Australia and Pakistan, was appointed as head coach of Sri Lankain December 2019.
When Inquired, it learnt that Arthur wanted Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to extend his contract for another term. He was even ready with same pay scale as previous term. The Board, however, emphasized on the evaluation of entire coaching staff – consisting of batting coach Grant Flower and fielding coach Shane McDermott – before taking a call.
“His contract expired right after the World Cup. We have extended it till the West Indies series. He was insisting for another extension. But we are not in hurry. Before taking any further decision, we wanted to evaluate his tenure. That’s how things took place” a top SLC official told Cricket Age.
