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SYDNEY (AP) — Dumped test opener Simon Katich has vowed to play on despite losing his Australia contract, and hasn't ruled out a return to international cricket amid public uproar over his treatment by selectors.
The 35-year-old Katich, one of Australia's most consistent test batsmen in the last three seasons, told a news conference Friday that he was "disappointed and frustrated" about the "ridiculous" decision to cut from the list of 25 centrally contracted players for 2011-2012.
But he said he'd decided to continue and play for New South Wales state, saying the public outrage at the Australian selectors had encouraged him to play on.
"I know I'm not the only player to go through this in the last few years because of inconsistent selection policies," Katich said. "I'm just hoping something good comes out of this situation because I actually think the decision that came on Tuesday was absolutely ridiculous."
It's not the first time Katich has lost his central contract. He went back to state cricket after being dropped in 2007 and broke the record for runs scored in the domestic Sheffield Shield (1,508), earning a recall to the Australian squad.
An Achilles injury ended his 2010-11 season prematurely, but he claims he has worked his way back to fitness. Katich has 4,188 runs at 45.03 in 56 tests.
In an earlier interview with The Australian newspaper, Katich said he didn't deserve to be fired and had "vented his spleen" in a no-holds-barred telephone call with chief selector Andrew Hilditch.
"Do I think I have been treated fairly? Not at all," Katich was quoted as saying. "From my point of view I have had to play through injuries in the last four test matches: two with a broken thumb and two with a torn Achilles.
"I didn't want to play test cricket like that, although I know that is what they have judged me on."
Katich has twice been reinstated to the test team — the last time after Hilditch reportedly told him his international career was over.
"I have been treated like this before by," selectors, Katich said. "I have been down this path a number of times.
"Look, I know a lot of people have been shocked by it and obviously I was as well, but at the same time I am not stupid, I could see it coming. I saw the signs, so those close to me knew because I has seen it."
Former test opener Michael Slater and former Australian batsman and coach Bob Simpson were among the experts critical of Cricket Australia's decision to ditch Katich.
But Cricket Australia has defended the decision, saying it is in a stage of transition and needs to give younger players experience in the international arena with the aim of returning to No. 1 in the rankings.
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The 35-year-old Katich, one of Australia's most consistent test batsmen in the last three seasons, told a news conference Friday that he was "disappointed and frustrated" about the "ridiculous" decision to cut from the list of 25 centrally contracted players for 2011-2012.
But he said he'd decided to continue and play for New South Wales state, saying the public outrage at the Australian selectors had encouraged him to play on.
"I know I'm not the only player to go through this in the last few years because of inconsistent selection policies," Katich said. "I'm just hoping something good comes out of this situation because I actually think the decision that came on Tuesday was absolutely ridiculous."
It's not the first time Katich has lost his central contract. He went back to state cricket after being dropped in 2007 and broke the record for runs scored in the domestic Sheffield Shield (1,508), earning a recall to the Australian squad.
An Achilles injury ended his 2010-11 season prematurely, but he claims he has worked his way back to fitness. Katich has 4,188 runs at 45.03 in 56 tests.
In an earlier interview with The Australian newspaper, Katich said he didn't deserve to be fired and had "vented his spleen" in a no-holds-barred telephone call with chief selector Andrew Hilditch.
"Do I think I have been treated fairly? Not at all," Katich was quoted as saying. "From my point of view I have had to play through injuries in the last four test matches: two with a broken thumb and two with a torn Achilles.
"I didn't want to play test cricket like that, although I know that is what they have judged me on."
Katich has twice been reinstated to the test team — the last time after Hilditch reportedly told him his international career was over.
"I have been treated like this before by," selectors, Katich said. "I have been down this path a number of times.
"Look, I know a lot of people have been shocked by it and obviously I was as well, but at the same time I am not stupid, I could see it coming. I saw the signs, so those close to me knew because I has seen it."
Former test opener Michael Slater and former Australian batsman and coach Bob Simpson were among the experts critical of Cricket Australia's decision to ditch Katich.
But Cricket Australia has defended the decision, saying it is in a stage of transition and needs to give younger players experience in the international arena with the aim of returning to No. 1 in the rankings.
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