''There was major tension between Michael Clarke and Shane Watson,'' Channel Seven reported from Arthur's document of claim. Focal point: Shane Watson. Credit:Gareth Copley It is believed the rift between Clarke and Watson has been an issue Arthur has had to manage since his appointment in November 2011. Arthur is seeking $4 million from CA after being dumped as coach 16 days before the start of the Ashes and replaced immediately by Darren Lehmann. A statement released by Arthur's representatives confirmed he was taking action in the Fair Work Commission against CA on several grounds including racial discrimination, and that confidential conciliation between the parties would be held next week.

Arthur, however, was unhappy that its details had been made public. “I am extremely upset and disappointed that confidential documents appear to have been given by others to the media," he said "The matters raised in my application to the FWC concerning issues within the Australian cricket team are very sensitive, which is why I was at pains to keep them confidential, especially at this time. I have kept them confidential,unfortunately others have now made them public. "I want to stress how important to me the members of the team were, and still remain to me. The welfare of the Australian cricket team is upmost to me.” His legal action against CA includes claims he was discriminated against because he was South African and he was not supported by the governing body after he and Clarke imposed unprecedented sanctions against four players over the notorious homework scandal on the tour of India in March.

Arthur is also claiming Watson tipped him off over David Warner's bar-room punch on England's Joe Root which resulted in the Australian batsman being suspended in the team's lead-up games to the Ashes. Watson has previously denied any involvement in bringing the incident to Arthur's attention, saying ''it had absolutely nothing to do with me''. Arthur's manager, Rossco Barrat, would not comment on the pending legal action but said on Tuesday that he was already in talks about landing the South African's next job. ''We believe that Mickey has got a lot to offer world cricket and I'm exploring opportunities for him,'' he said. Cricket Australia general manager of legal and business affairs Dean Kino said: ''We're disappointed that it's come to this. CA is quite clear on its position on this matter and I'm sure it will get resolved in the appropriate fashion.'' The Australian team has been beset by disharmony within some quarters in the lead-up to the tour of England. Arthur, however, lost his job and was made the fall guy for Australia's sliding performances on and off the field. Arthur has hired the services of legal firm Harmers Lawyers, the same firm which represented Kristy Fraser-Kirk in her $37 million suit against David Jones.

Warner said on Monday he felt partly responsible for his role in Arthur's axing because of his conduct at a Birmingham nightclub during the Champions Trophy. Loading Arthur became the first foreign-born coach of the Australian cricket team after succeeding Tim Nielsen in November 2011. He led Australia to series wins against India, the West Indies and Sri Lanka before the team was thrashed 4-0 in India earlier this year.