JOHANNESBURG, May 19: Mickey Arthur, named as South Africa’s new coach on Thursday, swiftly stated his ambition to make his team the best in the world. Arthur, 37, succeeds Ray Jennings, whose six-month contract as interim coach expired after South Africa’s tour to the West Indies recently.

Jennings led South Africa to a 2-0 Test series win and a 5-0 whitewash in the one-day internationals against West Indies.

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

South Africa’s first engagement under Arthur will be a home series against New Zealand in October. His contract will run until after the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

Arthur told a news conference: “I believe I can step into the breach and make a difference. We have to create a platform for the players to perform to the best of their ability.”

He added: “We’re looking to become the best team in the world in both formats of the game. To do that no player can be allowed to rest on his laurels.”

Arthur will be given an opportunity to measure his team’s progress when South Africa, sixth-ranked Test team and fourth-ranked one-day side, tour Australia in December.

The world champion Australians will tour South Africa in February.

“It’s the right time, because after that tour we will know where we stand if we want to be the number one team in the world,” Arthur said.

Arthur challenged perceptions that he was not experienced enough to coach an international team.

“I’ve been involved in this game for 19 years,” he said. “In fact, you could say that my masters degree is in cricket.

“I’ve been through the junior ranks as a coach and I’ve coached the South African ‘A’ team and at provincial level.

“If you’re ready to take the position you’re old enough.”

—Reuters