Tussle: Katich lashes out at selectors and bats on

Australia batsman frustrated over omission from list of contracted players.

SYDNEY:

Simon Katich hit out at selectors and Cricket Australia (CA) as he vowed to bat on after the contentious loss of his contract for next season.

The 56-Test veteran was disappointed when he was told that he was cut from CA’s 25-man list of contracted players for the 2011-12 season, despite being one of the country’s most consistent performers.

“I’m extremely disappointed and I just hope that something good comes out of this situation because I actually think the decision was absolutely ridiculous,” said Katich.

The 35-year-old opening batsman, however, said he would continue playing for his New South Wales state side.

Blasts ‘inconsistent policies’

The left-hander, who has averaged 48 in Tests over the last three years and 45 throughout his career since 2001, blamed the decision on inconsistent selection policies of chairman Andrew Hilditch and his panel.

“It certainly didn’t come as a shock because I know how they operate,” said Katich, who was also dropped in 2008. “I guess it was particularly disappointing because of the reason that was given. To be told that it’s because the opening partnership needs to be bedded down for 2013 [Ashes] when I know for a fact that Shane Watson and I thoroughly enjoyed opening together and it’s been one of the bright spots of our team in the last two years.”

Meanwhile, CA Chief Executive James Sutherland defended selectors, saying they had to plan for the future.

“They need to use their best judgment to pick a team that’s not only the best for the day, but they’re also required under policy to keep an eye to the future,” said Sutherland.

“I have no doubt that the selectors are doing that, they are following through with that policy.”

Meanwhile, Katich said he was now taking a risk by deciding to play on despite being unwanted at Test level. “I take the risk by playing on that if I don’t perform I will get cut,” he said. “I’m prepared to back myself and put myself through that stress because that’s what I love doing.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2011.