Australia bring in Arthur as first foreign coach

Mickey Arthur was formerly in charge at Western Australia (EPA)

South African Mickey Arthur was yesterday appointed as Australia's first-ever foreign coach. The 43-year-old succeeds Tim Nielsen, and has signed a four-year deal that runs until the end of the 2015 World Cup.

Arthur, previously in charge at Western Australia, takes over with Australia lying in a disappointing fourth place in the world Test rankings. The former South Africa coach's first game in charge will come in a two-Test series against New Zealand starting on 1 December in Brisbane.

The chief executive of the International Cricket Council, Haroon Lorgat, will leave his role in June 2012. Lorgat was offered a two-year extension, but declined after three years at the helm of the authority. The former South African chairman of selectors had put in place plans for the inaugural Test Championship, to take place next year, but it was announced last week that this tournament would be scrapped in favour of a 50-over competition. Lorgat expressed his disappointment at the decision, which was taken following pressure from the ICC television partner's ESPN.

The West Indies finished the first day of the third Test against India in Mumbai in a comfortable position at 267 for 2. Openers, Adrian Barath and Kraigg Brathwaite put on 137 for the first wicket, before Kirk Edwards and Darren Bravo batted out the rest of the day.