Arthur slams Haddin`s `insecurity` shot as `cheap`

Sydney: Sacked Australian coach Mickey Arthur has slammed Australian vice-captain Brad Haddin for his scathing critique of his regime as `insecure`, saying that Haddin`s statement was `cheap` and his presence in the Test team as `unsustainable`.

Just a day ahead of the first Test of the winter Ashes series, Haddin, who was recalled as vice-captain before the last Ashes before Arthur was sacked, claimed that the former coach`s insecurities led to an uncomfortable culture in which players were `jumping at shadows`. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Arthur expressed his bewilderment and disappointment over Haddin`s comments, saying that it was a `little bit naive` on Haddin`s part to say those things as Haddin was not a part of the team for a long period of time and was not aware of the direction in which he was taking the team. Stating that he is especially disappointed as he gave Haddin a huge amount of support, time and advice following his family problems, Arthur further said that Australia`s brand of cricket was not going to sustainable under Haddin as he was one of the senior players who lost his place and was left out for a younger player like Matthew Wade. Arthur was adamant most players were secure in their roles during his tenure and defended his management of the team, saying that those that were `jumping at shadows` were not doing what was expected and were trying to take short cuts. According to Arthur, although it is not necessary to `mess` with a successful culture, however, Australia had lost a lot of experienced players for which they needed to create their own brand, culture and put in place a sustainable value system that any player coming up from state level could walk straight in and feel comfortable. Arthur also said that he had tried to get Australian cricket back to where it deserved to be and did his job to the best of his ability. Haddin, who will play his 50th Test against England in Brisbane, had also said that Australia under new coach Darren Lehmann has a renewed belief and confidence, and is unrecognisable from the tense unit he rejoined as a replacement for the injured Wade after four players were suspended in Mohali earlier this year.