Simon Katich Uncertain Over Future Ahead Of The Upcoming Ashes
Australia return home from England after drawing the series with Pakistan, a big disappointment because http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 and even though he will be 35 when England visits for the Ashes, he has given no indication that he is ready to retire.
Katich told reporters, “I haven't looked at an end date; the last couple of years have probably been my best. I don't want to say, 'geez, this could all be over in a year or two. Who knows? I just want to keep enjoying playing cricket.” He revealed he had not yet spoken to Captain Ricky Ponting or Michael Hussey about the issue. All three players will be 35 by the time of the Ashes and Katich said he was uncertain about their future, “I don't know whether they've got the same opinion as me but I've really enjoyed being back in the team these last two years," he said. "I've cherished every opportunity.” Katich said.
Katich admitted that Australia had to work hard and improve their performance if they hoped to achieve a better result against England. But he did admit that the Pakistani bowlers were impressive and that the English conditions agreed with them, "I found this was as good an attack as I have faced since the 2005 Ashes and right up there with the South Africans in terms of having to concentrate hard and get through the tough periods, and there were plenty of them. At no stage did we ever get on top of them, which is a pretty good indication they were bowling well.” Katich said.
Katich acknowledged man of the match, 17 year old Mohammad Aamer, but said that he thought Mohammad Asif was the best out of the three fast bowlers; Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul. “Mohammad Aamer was probably more of a handful in English conditions with swing away from the left-hander and into the right-hander. He probably didn't get that much in Australia until the ball got older. For me, however, Mohammad Asif was the pick of the bowlers. He didn't get the rewards but I found him hard and (Umar) Gul bowled really well. One spell at Lord's he was particularly difficult. They really have got a good attack suited to English conditions.” Katich told reporters.
Katich was referred to as the “most complete batsman” in the second Test at Leeds, which Pakistan managed to win by 3 wickets. Katich impressed with his consistent performance, scoring a total of 187 runs, which included two 80’s in 4 innings. Despite being the best batsman for Australia facing an excellent bowling attacking from the young, resurgent Pakistan team, Katich is planning to take things as they come along. Katich said, “The way I've treated it in the last couple of years is that I treat it one series at a time, even one Test at a time. I don't want to look too far in front because the problem with this game is that if you look too far in front, all of a sudden a couple of bad Tests, and next thing you know you feel the pressure.”
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