Starc fires at Arthur

Australia have been a "closer" team since former head coach Mickey Arthur made way for Darren Lehmann, according to pace spearhead Mitchell Starc.

Now at Pakistan, South African Arthur is keen to steer the South Asians to a win against his old team when the three-Test series starts in Brisbane on Thursday.

"I didn't have too much time with him ... he obviously had his different theories," Starc said on Sunday.

"He was a nice guy. Our team has changed immensely since he's been put out of the job ... we're a lot closer. Boof's [Lehmann's] obviously brought his own coaching theories and concepts.

"The group has changed personnel-wise as well, so we've developed massively as a squad since the time of Mickey Arthur, and I think all for the better."

Arthur was sacked three weeks before the 2013 Ashes, after a breakdown of team discipline during the 4-0 series loss away to India.

Australia have lost five of their last six Tests to put Lehmann under pressure, but Starc said he was the right man to guide a rebuilding team.