SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia's first foreign-born cricket national coach Mickey Arthur on Wednesday confirmed he was suing Cricket Australia for racial discrimination after being dumped from the job.

The South African was axed just 16 days before the first Test against Ashes holders England at Trent Bridge this month, and replaced by former Australia batsman Darren Lehmann.

Reports said Arthur, fired two years before his contract was due to expire, was seeking up to A$4 million (S$4.7 million) in compensation, claiming he was discriminated against because he was South African and "didn't understand the Australian way".

According to Australian broadcaster Channel Seven, the legal documents also reveal a major feud in the team between captain Michael Clarke and former vice-captain Shane Watson.