Late last year, Mr. Murray took a surprise step to rev up his game in those crucial moments: He hired Ivan Lendl, long retired and never a coach, as his mentor.

WSJ: Andy Murray Tries to Crack Tennis's Inner Circle

Sam Vincent, a retired NBA player who is serving as Smith's personal coach during his stay in China, said the argument has since been resolved, and that the two sides have worked out some compromises on Smith's living conditions.

WSJ: NBA: For Wilson Chandler, J.R. Smith, Patty Mills, Kenyon Martin and Aaron Brooks, Leaving China May Not Be Simple

Australia's success under previous coach John Buchanan was achieved with a group of players who are now either retired from international cricket (Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer) - or at the veteran stage (Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden).

BBC: SPORT | Cricket | New coaches take Twenty20 bow