Cricket: Arthur named as Australian coach

Mickey Arthur. Photo / Getty Images

South African Mickey Arthur is the new Australian cricket team coach, promising to bring a "fresh, unblinkered eye" to the job.

Cricket Australia announced the appointment today, with Arthur to succeed former fulltime head coach Tim Nielsen before the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane starting on December 1.

The 43-year-old Arthur is the first non-Australian to coach the Australian team, though he is planning to take Australian citizenship.

He coached South Africa from 2005 until 2010, guiding them to a Test series win over Australia in 2008 - the first by any team on Australian soil in 15 years.

The current Western Australia coach, Arthur beat out former Test wicketkeeper and New Zealand and NSW coach Steve Rixon for the job.

"I am honoured and privileged to have another chance to coach an international team, particularly a team of the ilk of Australia," said Arthur.

"I think I bring a fresh, unblinkered eye to the role after plotting against Australia when coaching South Africa and having now worked within the Australian system with the Warriors.

"Australia has an abundance of cricket talent and I am confident the talent is there to ensure Australia is successful."

- AAP