Arthur replaces Ray Jennings as coach of South Africa

Mickey Arthur has been named as South Africa's new coach, confirming the sacking of Ray Jennings.

Cricket South Africa announced the 37-year-old's appointment at a news conference in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Arthur, who will quit as coach of Eastern Cape, is under contract until the end of the 2007 World Cup.

Jennings recently steered South Africa to Test and one-day series successes in the West Indies but loses the job he took on a short-term deal last October.

"It's an incredible honour and privilege and I feel that I can really step up to the breach and make a difference," Arthur said.

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"I am here to create a platform and an environment for our players to perform. My long-term goal is to ultimately become the best in the world."

Despite South Africa's improvement under Jennings, it was former 'A' team coach Arthur who got the nod in a lengthy selection process that saw the likes of Steve Waugh, Tom Moody and Geoff Marsh linked with the job.

A former opening batsman for Griqualand West and Free State, Arthur began coaching at first-class level after he retired as a player four years ago.

Jennings, who replaced Eric Simons, announced his arrival by saying players could expect "a good kick up the backside", and it is thought his hard-nosed approach did not sit well with all.

Jennings launches tough regime

He said ahead of Arthur's appointment: "I could write a chapter on how each player has sharpened up and I believe I've added value.

"I don't want to be likeable, but losing. I have ruffled a few feathers."

Jennings' results were hard to argue with, however.

Under his guidance, South Africa's Test record stood at five wins against three losses - two to England and one in India - and five draws, and they won 12 of 14 one-dayers.

CSA chief executive Gerald Majola revealed that Jennings would remain with the body.

Jennings will join National Coaching Manager Anton Ferreira, and High Performance Manager Gary Kirsten, in the elite programme to prepare and develop players for the World Cup.

"We want to thank Ray for doing the job we asked him to do as a caretaker coach, and he has agreed to remain under contract for the next stage of his activities," Majola said.

"We are now going to use his special talents in preparation for the next World Cup. His experience of the West Indies conditions will be especially valuable."

South Africa's first series under Arthur will be at home against New Zealand in October.