Katich hopeful of Test recall
Left-handed opening batsman Simon Katich was not given contract for the 2011-12 season by Australian selectors © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Sydney: Aug 25, 2011
Discarded Australian opening batsman Simon Katich has indicated that he has not given up hope of a Test recall.
“I was told four years ago they were never going to pick me again and I got back in, so you never know,” the Daily Telegraph quoted Katich, as saying.
“The same guys who told me that are no longer in their jobs, so it’s a bit ironic they’ve been given the flick. I have the same attitude I had four years ago. I’m just going to enjoy my cricket with NSW,” he added.
Philip Hughes, who replaced Katich as opener, is expected to open the batting in a three-day tour match against a Sri Lankan board XI before the first of three Tests begins in Galle next Wednesday.
Katich, however, said that he has complete admiration for Hughes, as the 22-year-old is an outstanding talent with a great attitude and work ethic.
“I certainly don’t hold any grudges against him. It’s not (Phil’s) fault. He deserves to play for Australia and he was probably unfairly dropped himself during the Ashes in ’09,” Katich said.
“He hadn’t done too much wrong. He copped a couple of brutal spells from Freddie Flintoff in the first two Tests and paid the price. It was a pretty tough call on him then, but he’s obviously bounced back from that,” he added.