Derbyshire relieved by Mickey Arthur turning down Pakistan approach

NICK HOWSON: Rejecting a return to international cricket is a reflection of the positive direction of the Incora County Ground club, according to batter Tom Wood

Mickey Arthur choosing to remain at Derbyshire is a "massive boost" and has left players feeling "excited" according to batter Tom Wood.

The Cricketer revealed this week the South African had turned down an approach to re-join Pakistan for a second spell as head coach.

Arthur's desire to see out his contract at the Incora County Ground, which he extended to 2025 last December, and the PCB's wish to appoint a year-round coach saw talks collapse.

"Everyone is excited and wants to work with Mickey," Wood told The Cricketer. "He's a big name and he's got a lot of experience and knowledge with what he has done in the game.

"He has recommitted to the club after a few rumours that were knocking about but everyone is delighted he is still going to be with us.

^{Arthur's commitment is a "massive boost" for Derbyshire, believes Tom Wood [Tony Marshall/Getty Images]}

"A few of the lads heard a few whispers but there was never anything formal.

"The Cricketer did the first official thing about it. The lads knew after Christmas that he was committed to us. It is great news."

During his maiden campaign in county cricket Arthur transformed standards at Derbyshire, who enjoyed encouraging campaigns in the County Championship and Royal London Cup while reaching the T20 Blast quarterfinals.

Speaking to The Cricketer as part of a wider interview, Wood believes Arthur staying in place says plenty about the direction of the club, whose last major trophy came in 1993.

"It is a massive boost for us and shows how committed he is to the project that he started at Derbyshire," he added."It means a lot to him and that is reflected in him day to day and how he pushes us.

"It is a big boost for everyone if we can mirror that same sort of passion and intensity then we'll only got from strength to strength for sure."

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• Mickey Arthur to stay at Derbyshire despite approach from Pakistan