Katich admits disappointment after being dropped

Simon Katich has admitted he is disappointed to have been dropped for Australia's first Test against New Zealand at Brisbane, which starts on November 18.

It is the second time this year that the left-handed Katich has been dropped, after he also missed out on the first two Tests against Sri Lanka in March. On that occasion, Andrew Symonds was the preferred choice, despite Katich scoring 125 and 80 in his previous Test. This time, Katich will have to make way for Darren Lehmann, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.

"It's disappointing the way things have happened a couple of times now," Katich told Triple M, an Australian radio station. He was the third-highest runscorer in Australia's first Test-series win in India for 35 years, with only Michael Clarke and Damien Martyn notching more runs. He averaged more than 39, with a top score of 99, but has refused to make any public comment about the situation - until now.

"On both occasions I think I've done the right thing personally because I've kept my mouth shut and not done anything," he said. "I've had a few people saying they probably think I've been too nice."

But Katich also let his thoughts be known in the Sydney Sunday Telegraph, as he faced up to the prospect of not playing another Test match. "The thought of not making it back runs through your mind," he said. "You can't help but think, 'What if the guys play really well for the next 12 months and don't put a foot wrong?' They are certainly capable of doing that."