Katich to miss opening two games of season

Simon Katich, Hampshire's Australian overseas star, will miss the start of the English domestic season, as he has been called up to represent Australia `A' in their upcoming home series against South Africa `A', starting on April 4.

Left-hander Katich has been named as vice-captain to World Cup squad member Jimmy Maher for the three week series, which culminates in a one-day fixture at Perth on April 23, therefore meaning he will miss Hampshire's pre-season friendly matches as well as the first two away Frizzell County Championship Division Two matches at Worcester (April 18-21) and Cardiff (April 23-26).

It is hoped he will return in time for the first home Championship fixture against Yorkshire at the Rose Bowl, commencing on April 30.

On the plus side, Katich led his New South Wales state side to a crushing 246-run victory over Queensland in the final of the Pura Cup last week, picking up the man-of-the-match award for a stylish 82 in the first innings and competent 36 in the second.

He then backed up his performance with the bat with three wickets (3-43 in 14 overs) as their opponents were rolled over for 215 in their second innings, chasing 462.