The challenge facing Mickey Arthur

The appointment of Mickey Arthur to the role of Head of Cricket at Derbyshire will undoubtedly be a talking point in cricketing households around the world in coming days.

It is a big appointment for Derbyshire, but also for county cricket.

He is a huge name and I was surprised when I heard that he had applied for the role. My reservations on the previous post may attract comment, but I always consider different perspectives and I feel they are valid. 

He has, however, signed a three - year deal, according to reports from Sri Lanka, so any approach for his services between times would doubtless see Derbyshire compensated. That assuages some of my earlier concerns, when I feared his stay might be little longer than that of an Amazon delivery driver at your door... 

Reports add that his preference was to stay there, adding 'all I wanted from Sri Lanka cricket was an indication that you were happy with how I was doing my job'. Their loss may well turn out our gain. 

Tim Dale Lace, a respected South African cricket writer, told me:

I think he may put you at ease. He played 15 seasons for a very unfancied side and often beat the big guns.

 Also before becoming South Africa coach he coached two teams similar in stature to Derbyshire to a white ball T20 final, as well as a 50 over one. Both teams had at most 2 South African international players

Adding a stint in English County cricket to a CV is never a bad thing and Mickey takes over a club in the doldrums. We were much the same when Eddie Barlow arrived and the only way was then and is now upwards. 

As I wrote last week, he has a free hit in 2022, because he has inherited someone else's squad. Once he gets in post he will quickly identify what he has to work with and will undoubtedly attract a lot of interest from out of contract players seeking a trial.

There must be money available, though finite, so the coming months will be fascinating to watch. So too the season ahead. 

As was the case with Eddie Barlow  in 1976, Mickey inherits a squad that is not without talent. There is a clutch of talented young seam bowlers, as well as a top four that SHOULD be better than their returns last year. While Luis Reece's involvement will be limited, at least in early season, getting the best from Wayne Madsen, Billy Godleman and Leus du Plooy will be key to progress.

All of them will be out of contract at the end of 2022. The new man will look at what they offer and  work out if they remain good value for the club. Wayne and Billy will be the highest earners by some distance, so their returns must be seen to match that outlay.

I suspect he will help them rediscover their best form and will be a welcome boost to other players too. Coming from outside, it will be interesting to see where he goes with the captaincy. 

He will hopefully quickly secure the services of Anuj Dal, before turning attention to the crucial overseas roles.

This will be a challenge, with the perenially-congested international calendar, but he will know plenty of players! I suspect that Pakistan and Sri Lanka may be obvious sources and I wouldn't say no to the hugely talented Wanindu Hasaranga, the leg-spinning Sri Lankan all rounder, for the T20.

But it is Mickey Arthur's job and I am hopeful and confident that he will do a good one. Much as he did in Sri Lanka, bringing through some talented young players to compete well on the world stage. All the stories I have read suggest him very popular and respected by players, so that augurs well.

So too does the quick response from players on Twitter, Wayne Madsen hailing it 'brilliant news', while both Mikey Cohen and Dusty Melton professed their excitement. 

With local sport in the doldrums, this is a welcome boost and the coming months should offer plenty of food for thought and excitement for Derbyshire supporters. 

Well done too to those who got this over the line. I was doubtful, but am happy to acknowledge a job well done. 

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