Mickey Arthur claimed that Michael Clarke embraced the need for discipline, while Shane Watson did not. Source: Herald Sun
BESEIGED cricket coach Mickey Arthur will return to Australia on Saturday as controversy rages over his apparent claims of a huge rift between Michael Clarke and Shane Watson.
As reported in The Daily Telegraph last week, Arthur is suing Cricket Australia for up to $4 million after he was sacked in the aftermath of David Warner's bar room altercation with England batsman Joe Root.
In court documents obtained by Channel Seven, Arthur has made explosive allegations of racial discrimination and also infighting between Test captain Clarke and all-rounder Watson.
Arthur has been in South Africa with his family since his sacking to attend the funeral of his mother.
He told The Daily Telegraph this week that he would be returning to Australia on Saturday. Arthur did not return calls on Tuesday night.
The timing of the document release could not be worse for the Australian cricket team, coming just days before they prepare to meet England at Lord's in the second Ashes Test.
Clarke and Watson have spoken positively in the past about the state of their working relationship, but Arthur's claims stand in stark contradiction.
The public release of the documents will mean both players face unwanted attention and pressure in the days before a crucial Test match.
Michael Clarke and Shane Watson look on during an Australian net session.
According to Channel Seven's report, Arthur allegedly described the role of Watson's faction in the Test team as a cancer.
Arthur claimed that Clarke embraced the need for discipline, while Watson did not.
Arthur also revealed Watson was the player who tipped him off about Dave Warner's rowdy night out where the Australian opener punched Root at a bar.
Warner was subsequently fined $11,500 and suspended from the tour matches leading into the Ashes.
Arthur is also understood to have alleged that he was discriminated against because of his South African background and said he was not supported by his Cricket Australia employers through the "homeworkgate" affair in India.
Then vice-captain Watson, bowlers James Pattinson and Mitchell Johnson and batsman Usman Khawaja were axed from the third Test in Mohali for failing to complete a team survey.
Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive Paul Marsh is furious with Arthur.
"The Australian Cricketers' Association is extremely disappointed by the allegations made by Mickey Arthur about various players and the timing of the release of these allegations," Marsh said.
"At Mickey's departing press conference he talked about taking responsibility for the team's performances and leaving the job with dignity.
"I fail to see how this course of action is consistent with his words. Whilst I have genuine sympathy for Mickey's current situation, I hope he can deal with his issues with Cricket Australia privately."
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin says Darren Lehmann is doing a wonderful job as the new Australian coach.
Brad Haddin, when asked about team unity and Lehmann's impact, said: "Since I've been back (in the Test team) everything has been fine. Darren Lehmann has done a wonderful job, like all staff and players. The Ashes is as good as it gets. All the other stuff is white noise. It has not affected side."
"The Australian dressing room is fine. There is no feud between (Clarke and Watson). I don't know how many times I need to answer that," he said.
"Everyone was surprised (by the report), but there's no point talking about it anymore. We've gone past it."
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