Clarke termed Watson as ‘cancer’: Arthur

Sacked Australia coach Mickey Arthur has reportedly claim ed skipper Michael Clarke had described teammate Shane Watson as a ‘cancer’ on the national cricket team. According to reports in Australian media, legal documents tendered in the Melbourne court showed Arthur had felt like ‘meat in the sandwich’ in the divisive feud between Clarke and Watson.

According to documents lodged by Arthur as part of his claim against Cricket Australia, the South African has reportedly detailed some of the dressing room acrimony which marred the team’s on-field performances this year. ‘There was major tension between Michael Clarke and Shane Watson,’ Channel Seven reported from Arthur’s document of claim.

The 45-year-old South African, who was replaced by former Australia batsman Darren Lehmann, had to deal with the rift between Clarke and Watson ever since his appointment in November 2011, reports said. Arthur also claimed that he was racially discriminated against because he was South African and didn’t understand the Australian way.

Arthur also said he didn’t get support from Cricket Australia when he and Clarke had dropped four players, including then vice-captain Watson for the third Test in India.

Arthur’s claim sounds like sour grapes:  Warne

Reacting to sacked Australian coach Mickey Arthur’s explosive claims, legendary spinner Shane Warne said the comments sounded like ‘sour grapes’ and that he should be ‘grateful’ for being given a chance to coach the Aussies. ‘It sounds like sour grapes to me and it’s pretty disappointing,’ Warne said.