Mickey Arthur claims bitter faction led to rift between Michael Clarke and Shane Watson MICHAEL Clarke claims that new coach Darren Lehmann has reunited the team after the sacking of Mickey Arthur. The Australian captain refused to comment directly on allegations from Arthur that the team had been divided and undisciplined. “I can't remember for a long time the team being as united as we are right now,” Clarke said after training at Lord’s Tuesday night (EST). “And I think it is no coincidence Darren played a big part in that. I think him as a man, as a gentleman he brings that to the forefront.” Arthur is suing Cricket Australia for up to $4 million after he was sacked in the aftermath of David Warner’s bar room altercation with England batsman Joe Root. In court documents obtained by Channel Seven, Arthur has made explosive allegations of racial discrimination and also infighting between Test captain Clarke and all-rounder Watson. Arthur has been in South Africa with his family since his sacking to attend the funeral of his mother. He told News Limited Newspapers this week that he would be returning to Australia on Saturday. Arthur did not return calls last night. The timing of the document release could not be worse for the Australian cricket team, coming just days before they prepare to meet England at Lord’s in the second Ashes Test. According to Channel Seven’s report, Arthur allegedly described the role of Watson's faction in the Test team as a cancer. Arthur claimed that Clarke embraced the need for discipline, while Watson did not. Arthur also revealed Watson was the player who tipped him off about Dave Warner's rowdy night out where the Australian opener punched Root at a bar. Warner was subsequently fined $11,500 and suspended from the tour matches leading into the Ashes. Arthur is also understood to have alleged that he was discriminated against because of his South African background and said he was not supported by his Cricket Australia employers through the "homeworkgate" affair in India, when four players including Watson were suspended “I'm not going to get involved in that,” Clarke said. “For me right now it's be focused on what's in front of me not what's behind me. “Decisions have been made and made for reasons. We've got a fantastic group with a great coach who has united us and we're heading in the right direction.” Clarke also denied the latest drama would be a distraction. “It makes no difference to me. Doesn't bother me whatsoever,” Clarke said. “My eyes are focused on one goal and that's on winning this Test match. And I know everyone in that change room is exactly the same.” Clarke’s deputy Brad Haddin also played a straight bat. “For legal reasons I can’t go into that at all and that’s pretty obvious,” Haddin said. “All I can say is it’s pretty obvious where the team is going. “That’s been plain as the nose on your face. We’ve got a Test to play, we’re 1-0 down at the home of cricket so from our point of view it doesn’t get more exciting.” Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Paul Marsh is furious with Arthur. “The ACA is extremely disappointed by the allegations made by Mickey Arthur about various players and the timing of the release of these allegations,” Marsh said. “At Mickey’s departing press conference he talked about taking responsibility for the team’s performances and leaving the job with dignity. I fail to see how this course of action is consistent with his words and I am disappointed that this has been released two days before such an important Test match. "While I have genuine sympathy for Mickey’s current situation, I hope he can deal with his issues with Cricket Australia privately.”
