The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Katich lures England opener to Scorchers

24th November, 2014
0

Simon Katich hung up his Perth Scorchers’ vest almost a year ago, but his past exploits are still helping the Twenty20 outfit.

Former England Test opener Michael Carberry was unveiled as the Scorchers’ newest signing on Monday, with the 34-year-old joining paceman Yasir Arafat as the side’s two imports.

Katich retired shortly after leading the Scorchers to last summer’s BBL title, with the former Test opener now the football operations manager of AFL club GWS.

Carberry has big shoes to fill at the top of the order, and he revealed it was actually Katich who convinced him to play for Perth in the first place.

“It actually came about last year, just before the Ashes, when I was approached by Simon Katich,” Carberry said.

“He asked me if I was keen to come over and play some Twenty20 and I said I’d jump at the chance.

“I wasn’t able to fulfil that (last summer) because the Ashes came about.

“But after having another decent Twenty20 season domestically, (the opportunity) came round again.

Advertisement

“(Coach) Justin Langer got in touch and said they’d love to have me on and I’m delighted and thrilled to get out there.”

Carberry’s six-Test career was brought to an end following last summer’s 5-0 Ashes loss to Australia.

And although he played an ODI and Twenty20 clash for England in May this year, he faces a fight to get back into the international set-up.

Carberry said his upcoming stint in Australia might open a few doors, but he knows it’s a long shot.

“It’s a new phase of a career for me,” Carberry said.

“Maybe I’ve dropped out of the international reckoning at the moment, but it’s a chance now to pursue an opportunity in Australia where I can show people I can still play, and see where it goes from there.”

Carberry’s signing means Perth have just two more spots to fill before the December 5 deadline.

Advertisement

Scorchers: Adam Voges (capt), Ashton Agar, Yasir Arafat, Jason Behrendorff, Michael Carberry, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Brad Hogg, Michael Klinger, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, James Muirhead, Joel Paris, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam Whiteman.

close