EXCLUSIVE

World renowned coach meets champion team, going up against an influx of BLACKCAPS supercharging their rival regional T20 teams.

It’s the recipe for the most exciting Super Smash summer yet!

Revealed this morning, MICKEY ARTHUR’s appointment as Central Stags T20 coach for the 2019/20 title defence is headline news across the cricket world.

What’s lured Mickey — former mentor of South Africa, Australia and Pakistan — to coach the Central Stags, a team from New Zealand’s small town heartland?

Let’s find out!

Mickey, congratulations and clearly we’re thoroughly delighted to be welcoming you to the Stags family this summer. What’s attracted to you to this role?

MICKEY ARTHUR: “Thanks, I’m thoroughly delighted to be joining the Central Stags! Having coached all over the world, New Zealand is one of my favourite places, so when the position was advertised with Global Elite Sports it immediately caught my eye.

“And then, it just looked a very good opportunity. I had heard that the Stags are a very good side in New Zealand. Judging by their performances and results, I can’t wait to be involved and enhance the environment — to hopefully try and take it to another level. My dealings so far have been very professional and I really can’t wait to get started in December.”

With the BLACKCAPS available for this season’s Super Smash window, you’ll be working with our international players — and also, up against full-strength opponents in what’s primed to be one of the most hotly contested editions yet. Our first match in Napier against the Knights will potentially see both sides stacked with current/recent international stars. The stakes are going to be high this summer!

MICKEY: “Yeah it’s exciting, the standard will be high. I’m really looking forward to working with a number of BLACKCAPS within the Stags — players I’ve previously I’ve coached against, but have really respected for the cricket they play. It’s going to be great to be working with them and, hopefully in some small way, having a positive effect on their cricket.”

How much have you seen of the Stags in Super Smash mode, their brand of T20 cricket?

MICKEY: “I’ve watched Super Smash on television and it looks a wonderful, intense competition. I’ve also spoken to some of the New Zealand players who say the standard is high and with the BLACKCAPS players being available for a lot of the competition, the standard is going to be higher still this year. I love challenges — as do our players, for sure. So it’s really exciting, and we will be doing our utmost together to defend the title.”

T20 skillsets have evolved rapidly in recent years. It has emboldened players, raised their bar. What was your take on the influence of the T20 format on the 50-over format in this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup?

MICKEY: “T20 cricket has taken the skills in all departments to another level. You see with players now that they play with more of a confidence and freedom about them. It’s taken all forms of cricket to a new level, I believe. And, has enhanced the cricket product overall. If you’re a cricket watcher, it’s a great time to be alive.”

You join us with an international CV that packs so much experience. What do you think are the most important things you’ve learnt along the way, in your own evolution as a coach?

MICKEY: “I think it’s important you never stop learning and evolving and some of the most important things I’ve learnt along the way in my coaching career have been to really build relationships with players. Really to focus in on that. And, to make sure you create an environment of Excellence, that allows those players to flourish.

How do you see your own coaching style?

MICKEY: “Generally I’d say I’m very structured and organised, and I like for players to play with a freedom, but within a clearly defined role. You build good teams around good people. Clearly that has been working at the Stags, so I’m looking forward to what we can do together.”

What do you count as the personal highlights of your coaching career?

MICKEY: “My personal highlights have been building the South African team to be number one in all formats during my time — that was very special. Being the first South Africa team to win a Test series in Australia and England. Coaching the 438 One-Day International against Australia. Taking Pakistan to number one in the T20 format. Winning the Champions Trophy with Pakistan. Being with Pakistan when we became the number one Test side, after drawing with England in England.

“I really feel very fortunate to list all of those, but the best is still seeing players that you work with fulfilling their potential and becoming the best they can be.”

What continues to drive and stimulate you?

MICKEY: “I think the drive I have is to be continually ahead of the pack in terms of cricket trends. And, to continually push myself to be the best I can be in my field. Maybe that is something that is never-ending!”

Which rings truer, do you think — does a coach look to bring a certain culture to the team, or does a coach look to adapt himself to a team culture, if it’s a good culture?

MICKEY: “Well, I think a coach certainly looks at the resources and skills, and then builds a structure, strategy and culture around those resources and people he has at his disposal.”

We have five home matches this T20 summer: three at McLean Park in Napier, two at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth. Have you been there before? Any memories?

MICKEY: “Do you know, I have been on two tours to New Zealand, but we never played at McLean Park, and I haven’t been to Pukekura Park, either — so immediately I am really looking forward to seeing these venues at last!

“Pukekura Park has a reputation worldwide for being incredibly beautiful, and unique. Technically the interesting thing for me is going to be thinking about how I am going to adjust and strategise for smaller grounds. That’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to.”

When do you link up with the team?

MICKEY: “I’m flying in from my base here in Perth during The Ford Trophy, so that I will be able to watch the boys in action in a couple of their one-day games in late November, when all the teams are down in Canterbury at the centralised round. I’ll be an observer and supporter there while Aldin [Smith] coaches the team and I’m looking forward to starting to get to know all the support staff and the players.

“So I arrive on 26 November, watch for a couple of games, and then formally start as Super Smash coach on December 1. That will give us almost a fortnight’s lead-in to the first game in Napier against the Knights and time to start to get to know each other as players and people, and build our plans. I’m looking forward to it already and excited for the goals we will have. And looking forward to pulling on the Stags green kit for the first time!”

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Article added: Thursday 19 September 2019