Katich Scandal: Simon says the selectors are out of order

Australia Cricket / Frank Gregan / 13 June 2011 /

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Simon Katich tells the Media in no uncertain terms what he thinks of the Australian Selectors

"Simon Katich has been a victim of that strategy, perhaps unfairly but hey, that's the ruthlessness of cricket at the highest level and even though a ton of manure has been dropped on him from high above, he still could have left the international cricket stage with a bit of dignity."

Simon Katich has defintely worn the Baggy Green Cap for the last time but he certainly didn't leave the Australian Cricket team gracefully, says Frank Gregan.

This week's hot cricket topic is yet another dispute between a senior player and his cricketing authority. In recent months the governing bodies of the West Indies and Pakistan have been grabbing the headlines after falling out with their players, now it's the turn of Cricket Australia.

Simon Katich was omitted from the 25 man squad that have been awarded contracts by CA for the coming season. Let's get one thing straight right from the off: if Simon Katich is not one of the best 25 players in Australia then I'm a Vegemite eating Aborigine! His omission looks bizarre and if the truth be told - unfair!

But life is unfair sometimes and you've just got to get on with it. The Aussies have been gritting their teeth and battling against adversity for years and have no time for moaners and groaners. Heck, they coined the phrase "Whinging Poms", such is their contempt for those who don't make the best of their lot.

When it was announced that he would not be offered a contract the public's sympathy was with Katich, who boasts an average of 45 during 56 tests and an average of over 50 in the last three years as an Australian opening batsman. It seemed ludicrous to leave him out but he will be 36 when Australia play their next test and with an ageing batting line-up, the selector's axe fell on him rather than Ricky Ponting or Michael Hussey.

Katich's reaction to getting the old tin tac has bordered on the ridiculous and has diluted his support. He says that he and his manager had seriously thought about taking legal action against Cricket Australia, using unfair dismissal laws. What a farce that would have been, but instead they decided to air their views in public and in the process ridicule the selectors.

He used the 'pay peanuts get monkeys' adage whilst describing those responsible for the decision not to re-engage his services, a totally tasteless jibe at the selectors who are giving back something to the game. He never had a problem with the 'monkeys' when they were awarding him 56 caps!

Something had to be done, the Aussie selectors are currently about as popular as Ryan Giggs at a family reunion! Their charges have lost the Ashes on home soil and failed to win the World Cup which is the only satisfactory outcome of a 50 over tournament if you have been raised the Australian way. They already have an eye on the 2013 Ashes series but in the meantime they have to get the balance right between looking after the here and now and nurturing their young talent. They need a strategy in place to ensure they have a successful campaign this year whilst giving valuable experience to their youngsters.

Simon Katich has been a victim of that strategy, perhaps unfairly but hey, that's the ruthlessness of cricket at the highest level and even though a ton of manure has been dropped on him from high above, he still could have left the international cricket stage with a bit of dignity. All he had to do was accept the decision graciously, whilst expressing his disappointment. Instead, whenever his name is mentioned in the future, it will be his undignified snipe at the authorities that is remembered. A sad way to end a very good career.

There's an awful lot of cricket to be played before the 2013 Ashes by both sides and England's Test series against Sri Lanka is coming to a conclusion. England are [2.26] to win the third and final Test which gets underway on Thursday with the draw at [2.06] and Sri Lanka at [12.5]. With the weather forecast looking decidedly ominous, the recommendation has to be to lay England; their price will surely inflate as the rain falls.

As far as Simon Katich is concerned, his future lies in Sheffield Shield cricket as he tries to bring glory to New South Wales this year. The umpires had better think twice before raising the finger in his direction, he might just sue them for unfair dismissal!

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