Katich earns respect of fellow Oz cricketers for his attitude

Sydney, Jun 13 : Former state and national teammates have described Simon Katich, who retired from first class cricket, as a player who won almost universal respect for his attitude.

Katich made his name as the “ultimate professional” among cricket circles but will be more widely remembered for his criticism of the selectors and his relationship with skipper Michael Clarke.

Unlike his blistering tirade against Andrew Hilditch’s now defunct selection panel 12 months ago, Katich’s announcement was made not in front of cameras and hordes of reporters, but through a media release distributed by his former employer Cricket Australia.

The Test career of Katich, who played 56 Tests for Australia, effectively ended when he was axed from CA’s list of contracted players last year, and yesterday’s decision officially ended any hope of a recall, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Pat Cummins said on Twitter it was an “absolute pleasure and privilege” to play with Katich, while Brett Lee said it was “great to be a teammate and your presence around the dressing room will be missed.”

Stuart Clark described Katich, who played his last Test innings with an Achilles tendon which required surgery, as the “ultimate professional”.

“He did what was needed and he didn''t shirk it. He never turned his back on a tough situation no matter who was bowling or how fast they were bowling, he just went in there and got it done,” Clark said last night.

“There was no fuss about it either. He was a no-fuss cricketer. You always knew what you were going to get with Kato and I think that''s why people loved playing with him.”