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Simon Katich retires from First-Class cricket. posted under: Australia | All news |
 Cricketer Simon Katich has announced his retirement from First-Class, citing the reason as wanting to spend more time at home with his family..
The 36-year-old batsman, who’s international career ended when selectors did not renew his contract during the 2010-11 season, is not likely to go back there as well because his controversial exit and tense relationship with Australian skipper Michael Clarke was blown up by the media. He was dropped from the team after the 2010-11 Ashes series defeat at home and was also stripped of the New South Wales captaincy in the Sheffield Shield competition last year.
A little more than a year ago, the West Australian was considered an integral part of the international test side, but after the Ashes series loss, Cricket Australia (CA) didn’t renew his contract, opting for change. He had lashed out at the way Australian cricket was being run, during a press conference.
Robert Joske Management, the agency that manages Katich, released a statement which was quoted: “Simon Katich wishes to advise that he has decided to retire from first class cricket in Australia. Simon is currently enjoying playing with Hampshire in the English county season and is committed to play for the Perth Scorchers in the Champions League Twenty20 in October.
“The WACA and Cricket New South Wales have provided wonderful cricketing environments and amazing opportunities for Simon to play under great coaches, with terrific players and surrounded by dedicated support staff. He wishes to thank them all for the camaraderie and support over the last 16 years and for the chance to play in winning teams. With a young family and a desire for an extended time at home, Simon has decided it is time to reassess his priorities.”
Katich’s Sheffield Shield career began with Western Australia by he joined New South Wales in the 2002-03 season, going on to score 8,807 runs in 104 matches at an average of 55.39 with 26 centuries. His best domestic season though was in 2007-08 when he captained NSW to their 45th Sheffield title, an in the process, got himself the Player Of The Year Award for his record-breaking 1506 runs at an average of 94.12. That same season, he became the first man since Sir Donald Bradman to score 300 at the Sydney Cricket Stadium. He made 306 from 461 balls against Queensland.
Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Paul Marsh was quoted saying, “Simon Katich retires from Australian first-class cricket as not only one of our great players, but also one of our most respected. His on-field achievements speak for themselves and as an ACA executive member, Simon's contribution to the players' collective cause has been outstanding.”
Katich’s international figures stopped at 4188 test runs at 45.03, but he can still add to his First-Class tally of 19,667 runs in the county this season.
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