Selectors take notice of Katich for Pakistan

Two New South Wales players who are enjoying amazing domestic seasons have won more support for promotions to the national teams. Glenn McGrath believes Doug Bollinger, the left-arm fast bowler, is "in the mix" while Simon Katich, who has 1067 runs in seven Pura Cup games, has won the notice of Australia's selection panel.

David Gilbert, the New South Wales chief executive, could not believe Chris Rogers replaced Matthew Hayden for the third Test in Perth instead of Katich and complained. He has since talked to Jamie Cox, one of the four selectors, and learned Katich is a serious contender for the spare batting place on the March tour to Pakistan, which is currently in doubt due to political instability.

"It's fair to say [Jamie] was disappointed that I had spoken publicly about my concerns about Simon getting what I believed was a raw deal," Gilbert told the Sun-Herald. "My point was that his performances this year had been Bradmanesque, but he seemed no closer to getting a look-in for the Test team.

"After talking to 'Coxy', my mind is more at ease. Coxy assured me he's being noticed by the selectors and that he's in line for the spare batting spot in Pakistan."

Bollinger is the leading wicket-taker in the Pura Cup with 44 - eight more than Queensland's Ashley Noffke - and McGrath is impressed with his "tremendous potential". "He's a left-armer, he swings the ball and has good control," McGrath told the paper.

"He's unplayable on a wicket that offers a lot, but if he can fine-tune his game on wickets that aren't bowler-friendly, he'll improve. But he has done enough for an [Australia] opportunity."