Proteas coach reveals awards dismay

Mickey Arthur has expressed disappointment that none of his South African players have been shortlisted for any of the International Cricket Council's annual awards.

The world governing body on Tuesday released the final nominations with England's Ashes-winning captain Andrew Strauss among four players named in the overall Cricketer of the Year category. But after such an outstanding 12 months for South Africa, Arthur is disturbed by his players' absence.

Arthur, whose side now top the Test and one-day rankings, told www.sport24.com: "It's very disappointing, particularly considering how well the team performed over the last year."

Indians Gautam Gambhir and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are also in the running for the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy, as is Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson.

Strauss, Gambhir and Johnson are also still in with a chance of the Test player of the Year award, alongside Sri Lanka's Thilan Samaraweera.

Proteas captain Graeme Smith and batsman AB de Villiers were both named on the initial lists in both categories last week, with fast bowler Dale Steyn originally included amongst the Test nominees.

Arthur believes the ICC snub can be used as motivation for the Champions Trophy, which will be hosted by the country later this month.

"We have not had time to discuss it in the team context, but I'm sure it will only motivate guys to perform well in the tournament," he added.

"We remain the best team in world cricket, irrespective of who wins the prizes."

The shortlisted players will discover who has won when the awards are presented at the sixth annual LG ICC awards in Johannesburg on October 1. Link...