Katich backs England to bounce back

11 January 2009

Simon Katich endorsed the appointment of Andrew Strauss as England captain

Australia Test opener Simon Katich believes England’s Ashes hopes will not be affected by the changes at the top seen this week.

Kevin Pietersen resigned as captain on the day that Peter Moores departed as coach, leaving Andrew Strauss to take charge of the side for the tour of the West Indies, which starts later this month.

Katich, who captained Derbyshire last summer and has also played for Durham and Hampshire, has watched the unfolding drama from Down Under with interest but doubts the turmoil will enhance Australia's chances of a successful defence of the Ashes this summer.

"It's been huge news but the Ashes are still a long way away," he said. "They've got a lot of cricket to be played and so have we.

"Anything can happen in that period and no doubt things will settle down now they've announced Strauss as captain."

Asked if Strauss was the right man for the job, Katich responded: "I think so. He's shown in the past that when he's been given the reins he's done a good job and his form recently has been good, which is probably another big factor.

"As a player, if you are confident in your own game it helps when you're captaining as well."

Katich has become Australia's accidental opener, hoisted to the top of the order when Matthew Hayden was injured in the West Indies, then replacing Phil Jaques when the New South Welshman broke down in India.

The 33-year-old is now a first-choice pick after scoring heavily over the summer, but whether Hayden is at the other end for next month's tour of South Africa and the Ashes trip to England rests in the hands of the Australia selectors.

Katich, for one, hopes the veteran Queenslander is spared the axe.

"He's a champion,” Katich said. “He's played for a long time and has an unbelievable record, so those of us that are now trying to fill his shoes at the top of the order (have) big shoes to fill.

"It's been great opening with him and I look forward to seeing him hopefully continue.

"If he continues on then he's obviously going to have a crack at the Ashes because it's a huge tour and the last time we lost there, so he will be keen to make amends."