Differences with Board forced Arthur to resign

Mickey Arthur on Wednesday attributed his resignation as South Africa's cricket coach to differences of approach with the national cricket board on ways to revive the fortunes of the team.

Arthur's surprise resignation came days before South Africa's crucial India tour, where the Test series is being seen as battle for No 1 position in world cricket.

Arthur said he enjoyed his stint as coach of the national team but it had become difficult to continue.

"Differences of approach on how to get the Proteas back to the top of world cricket have arisen between the Board of Cricket South Africa and me and I don't believe I can take the team forward under the present circumstances.

"There comes a time when you have to move on and I know in my own heart that I have taken the right decision," Arthur said at a media conference in East London, also attended by CSA officials.

CSA said they have accepted Arthur's resignation with "regret" and also announced that a complete overhaul of the system will take place soon.

Arthur reminded the media of the success South African team achieved under his guidance and also wished luck to his successor Corrie van Zyl, who has been appointed as interim coach.

"It is common cause that the year, 2008, was the finest in the history of South African cricket either before or since unity when we went unbeaten in Test series in three tough away tours to India, England and Australia in the space of nine months. This is an achievement almost without parallel in the history of our great game", Arthur said.

"To be part of the series-winning world record 438 game against Australia was also a memorable moment.

"In conclusion I would like to wish Corrie, Graeme and the team all the best for the future and particularly for the forthcoming tour of India. I believe we have put the foundation in place for the Proteas to continue as a major force in world cricket," he said.

The Proteas leave for their tour of India on Saturday to play two Test matches and three One-day Internationals against the hosts.