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Arthur tempted by England job

Arthur tempted by England job

08/09/2009 9:08 AM

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur admits he will be tempted if the chance ever arises to take charge of England.

South Africa, currently ranked No.1 in the world in Test cricket, is set to host England later this year.

Arthur's was one of several names linked to the England coaching job before Andy Flower was appointed in April - and he is also thought to have had offers from English counties too.

Flower has since helped England regain the Ashes, a result which ensured South Africa went above Australia at the top of the International Cricket Council rankings.

Arthur therefore expects Flower's tenure to be a long one - but the 41-year-old has nonetheless admitted to BBC Sport he still feels the lure of English cricket.

"The England job is certainly something I would like to look at," he said.

"I think Andy Flower will be there for a long time, but England's a temptation for my family and me to explore."

That, he explains, does not necessarily have to mean as national coach.

"If not with the England team, then perhaps one of the counties - because I used to follow country cricket extensively when I was growing up," he added.

"There's such history and culture in England with cricket, and that really fascinates me."

Arthur believes England's Ashes victory will set up an exciting series in South Africa.

"For Flower and (captain) Andrew Strauss to have won the Ashes in their first series as a combination is unbelievable and will give them great confidence," he said.

"I actually thought Australia would win 2-1, because they had so much quality in the batting department, but England played well and were full value for their triumph."

"We respect England highly and realise it's going to be a tip-top series where we must maintain our standards throughout if we are to be successful."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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