Arthur takes on job of reviving Australia

The 43-year-old becomes the first foreigner to lead Australia after he was given the nod ahead of a list of local hopefuls including Steve Rixon, Justin Langer and Tom Moody.

Arthur, who ended a five-year spell in charge of his native South Africa in January last year, takes over the post vacated by Tim Nielsen who resigned two months ago.

Arthur has signed an initial three-and-a-half year deal that will take him through to the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be the coach of a team of the ilk of Australia,” he said. “There is a transitional cycle at the moment with Australia, but I think that is the most exciting aspect of this job.

“I have an unblinking view of Australian cricket having come in from outside.

“I have analysed against Australia before and I think that will help.”

Cricket Australia’s Pat Howard described Arthur as the stand-out choice after a two-month search.

“He was the outstanding candidate,” said Howard. “He led South Africa to No 1 in the world in all formats of the game. Mickey fitted the bill in every level.”

Arthur, who has led Western Australia for the past two seasons, won plenty of admirers during his time in charge of South Africa, helping them to the top of the ICC rankings, and also inspiring their first-ever Test series success in Australia three years ago.

He takes over an Australian side in a similar position to the Proteas team he took over – they are currently ranked fourth in Test cricket.

n West Indies’ batsmen finally put up a fight as they made an impressive start to the the third and final Test against India in Mumbai.

The hosts had already wrapped up a series victory after winning by five wickets in the the opening match and by an innings and 15 runs in the second.

But tht tourists made it to 267-2 at stumps thanks mainly to openers Adrian Barath (62) and Kraigg Brathwaite (68) as well as an unbeaten 65 from Kirk Edwards.