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March 27, 2010Posted on 03/27/2010 in Australian Cricket
Katich wrists the initiative
From Alan & Philip Sutherland, Australia
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After a disappointing Australian summer for lovers of Test cricket as an even non-partisan contest, one continued come-back slipped under the radar.
Immediately after the 2005 Ashes, Simon Katich’s career showed about as much life as an 800-a-day ODI pitch. He’d averaged 27 and had been severely troubled by English swing. His initial step across the stumps had all the hallmarks of a fatal flaw which would see him finishing his days as a well-credentialled skipper for his adopted New South Wales. By 2007, he’d even lost his national contract. For one who had started so brightly and had so much to offer the Australian game, this would have been a sad end indeed.
At a time when Australian cricket needed diversity, Katich had his attractions. A natural left-hander when it seemed almost every batsman had swapped in their youth, such as Michael Hussey from right to left or Michael Clarke in the opposite direction, Katich never seemed troubled by bottom-hand dominance despite this.
In full flight, his wristy style was a treat to watch, especially square of the wicket, as was the placement of his drives along the turf. With decidedly the most subcontinental-looking technique of any Australian batsman, it was Katich’s series in India in 2008, following on from a successful trip to the Caribbean, that confirmed he was back to stay.
Over 300 runs, including a century in Nagpur was a fine return, but many were left asking why only 19 overs of his left-arm wrist-spin was utilised that series. It was a far cry from his four wickets against India in Adelaide five years earlier. Age and injury take their toll, but chinamen are a rare species and one wonders what may have happened during the Ashes in England if Katich could have bowled more often.
Amid all the hoopla over Shane Watson’s success in the Allan Border Medal, it is often overlooked here that Simon Katich was recognised as Australian Test Player of the year. In many ways it was a win for the old-fashioned cricketer. His behaviour on the field is exemplary and his Sheffield Shield captaincy is first class. His wristiness is somewhat of a throwback to the days of Alan Kippax, in a land where such things are not necessarily widely appreciated at grassroots level.
For a style which is sometimes said to best suit lower, slower Indian-style pitches, it is worth remembering that Katich began his career at the WACA in Perth, in days when it was decidedly harder and bouncier than it has been of late. The result is unquestionable, for he has made an opening berth his own with steely resolve and determined concentration. Were he a few years younger, or a little more fortunate, he may well have eventually become his country’s 43rd Test captain. In many ways, Simon Katich has taken the long, hard route to success, which is just what five-day cricket is about.
Posted by: Vidhu Balakrishnan at March 27, 2010 12:58 PM
Late blooming Simon Katich and Mike Hussey both 34 who are playing their 50th Test matches remind me of David Steele who made his debut when he was 33.Steele who made his debut against Australia sadly played only 8 tests and scored 673 runs with an average of 40 plus with one century and five half centuries against the likes of Lillie and Thomson and then the wast Indian pace quartet against whom he scored 106 at Trent Bridge.
Posted by: Scott at March 29, 2010 5:38 AM
Great blog. Full credit to Katich who worked hard on his game after losing his contract & to break Michael Bevans record of most runs in the domestic competition forced the selectors hand. I think he would be one of the most difficult openers to remove these days as he really values his wicket. Great to see Kato take out Test Player of the year as he was certainly the stand out. Would love to see him bowl a lot more than North as Ponting needs to keep him rolling the arm. Another 100 today in NZ proves the point that the man is at the top of his game. Love to see 2 more years before he calls it a day as his form has been brilliant. No doubt he will be chomping at the bit to dominate the upcoming Ashes series!!
Posted by: Tom Morris at April 2, 2010 12:51 PM
Confident but modest, effective but not attractive at the crease, underbowled but unpeterbed - he is the model Australian cricketer. For all state batsmen, they should take a leaf out of Simon Katich's book. Probably not quite a good enough player in today's day and age to captain Australia, but there is no doubt tactically he would perhaps be better than Ponting in that regard. Would be a superb Vice-Captain and a credit to this blog that you have appreciated not just his cricketing qualities but his tremendous leadership qualities. well done
Posted by: Vim at April 2, 2010 1:40 PM
Excellent player, he's my favourite in the Aus team, apart from Mitch. I think most Aus fans would like to see him bowl more, but it must be due to his back problems.
He is exciting to watch when he does get a chance to bowl and an average of under 30 for a part-timer is remarkable.
Posted by: raj at April 3, 2010 4:47 AM
Simon Katich is dependable, like Justin Langer, grinding the opposition to dirt, and playing a big role in building a solid foundation.Katich with Shane Watson or Philip Hughes as his partner, are akin to Langer and Hayden.Australia are in safe hands.
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