Katich wrists the initiative

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.