Mickey Arthur

Mickey Arthur was born in Johannesburg and played domestic cricket in South Africa between 1986 and 2001 scoring more than 6,600 first-class runs. But it is as a coach that he came to the attention of the wider cricketing world, beginning with roles in first class teams before becoming National Coach of South Africa in 2005. This proved a tough baptism against Australia, but, in March 2006, his team pulled off a sensational ODI run chase reaching 438/9 with one wicket and one ball to spare, in one of the greatest ever ODIs. In 2008, the team achieved world number one ranking in ODIs. Following differences with the ruling body, he resigned his position in 2010 and coaching the Australian National team followed for three years. 

A period in domestic cricket coaching there followed, with Mickey becoming an Australian citizen in 2016. National Coaching roles followed with both Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and then  closer to home Derbyshire, his current position. After an initial spell with Pakistan, ending in 2019, he left to join the county, only for Pakistan to seek to re-recruit him as Head coach in 2023. He was reluctant to leave his role with Derbyshire so a role of Director of Cricket in Pakistan was created that enabled him to work with both teams. But this came to an abrupt end in early 2024 when the country decided to choose a wholly different leadership team. It would seem that politics is never too far from the surface in that country’s cricket management.

We look forward to a fascinating evening with a man who has coached three national teams and has chosen to continue his career working in county cricket. Perhaps he shares the affection for it that so many of us do?

Chris J Coleman – June 2024