Arthur interested in coaching Australia

As Cricket Australia search for a new coach for its national side after a major churning at the administrative level, former South Africa coach Micky Arthur has shown interest in the job.

Arthur, who is now coach of Western Australia, said he has ambitions to return to international cricket. © Getty Images

Arthur, who is now coach of Western Australia, said he has ambitions to return to international cricket and can consider the job but his priority at the moment remains the domestic Australian side.

"Yes, I would be foolish not be interested, but at the moment my priority is Western Australia. I have ambitions to continue coaching at international, however I have unfinished business here (in WA)," Arthur was quoted as saying by Daily Telegraph.

CA sacked chief selector Andrew Hilditch, selector Greg Chappel and asked coach Tim Nielsen to re-apply for the job on the recommendation of a review panel, led by Don Argus.

Argus has recommended that a new coach, general manager of team performance and full-time chairman of selectors be put in place before the South African tour.

Australia will play two Twenty20 matches, three one-day games and two Tests in South Africa from mid-October to late November.

"Given Arthur's deep knowledge of South Africa's players and conditions that would appear an ideal place for him to start," the report in the newspaper said.

The report also noted that "India became the No. 1 Test nation under South Africa's Gary Kirsten for almost two years and now England are top dog with Zimbabwean Andy Flower at the helm."

"Australia have the ideal opportunity to become the best Test nation again by following the lead of India and England and appointing an African coach," it said.

Australia have never appointed a foreign coach for its national side.