Perth Scorchers captain Simon Katich has announced his retirement from Twenty20 cricket, drawing the final curtain on a distinguished playing career.
Katich, now a player development co-ordinator for AFL team the Greater Western Sydney Giants, says his retirement is effective immediately, meaning he won’t join the Scorchers at this year’s Champions League tournament in India from September.
His decision is based on family reasons, with Katich and his wife Georgie expecting a second child in the near future.
“I have a young family, I’ve had a great run and for my last game at the WACA, my home ground, to be a win in a successful campaign is the stuff you dream of,” Katich said in a statement.
“I’ll finish on a high and that was a big part of the reason I decided to pull up stumps.”
The 38-year-old left handed opening batsman retired from Australian first class cricket in 2012 after an international career that spanned 56 Tests, 45 ODIs and three T20Is.
Despite boasting a Test batting average of 45.03 and performing consistently, Katich was controversially dumped from the Australian side in 2011 amid speculation of a fallout with captain Michael Clarke.
Katich then ended his English county cricket career on a high last year by scoring more than 1000 runs for Lancashire.
The gritty left-hander, with his trademark step across the stumps from outside leg, played in three consecutive Big Bash League finals with Perth, captaining the Scorchers to their first championship last season.
He was a member of three Sheffield Shield-winning sides, helping Western Australia lift the trophy in 1997-98 and 1998-99, as well as captaining NSW to the title in 2007-08.
It is a decision that has drawn both disappointment and accolades from Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer, who spoke of a player seen as “one of the most admired and respected people” the club has had the privilege of being involved with.
“In terms of leadership, there have been few stronger leaders in Western Australian cricket history,” Langer said.
“His honesty, example and fiercely competitive spirit have held him in high-regard everywhere he has been.”
JGK
Roar Guru
He was treated poorly well before that though. Remember that he saved the series against India in Steve Waugh's last Test but then got dropped for our next Test in Sri Lanka for Symonds, only to be brought back in the final Test of that series where he and Langer played a crucial match winning partnership when we were 5/98 having trailed in the first innings. It's funny, I always saw a lot of Allan Border in Katich but their popularity amongst Australian team mates went different ways.
Riccardo
Guest
I'll pay that JGK. A career unfulfilled. I'm not sure what went down between him, Pup and Australian Cricket but it was a poor outcome and for Simon and the Australian team. Himself a natural leader, perhaps conflict was inevitable. Anyway, a gritty talented opener with an average over 45 was cast back to the masses and cricket was poorer for it. The fact he has maintained a successful career speaks volumes as to what he could have achieved in the National set up. All the best mate...
Wasim Ranamadroota
Roar Pro
I remember his almost 200 in a session against Qld at the SCG. I was at the game the previous day and thought about going the next day, but decided not to. D'Oh!
twodogs
Guest
Doubt he was underrated JGK, the throat grab didn't go down too well I would imagine and in retrospect, SK was likely right within his feelings at the time. Certainly cost him his job.
JGK
Roar Guru
Congrats to a fine and underrated cricketer on a terrific career.
John Hamilton
Roar Pro
Has been a runner/water boy for GWS this year
Eden
Guest
Always loved watching katich, able to carve out a gritty and pivotal innings in all form I the game
Bobbo7
Guest
Agree. He was a great player and should have been in playing test cricket the last few years
twodogs
Guest
Probably the best and most valuable asset missing from the Australian team since 2011.
Vea
Guest
A gun from the old school. Good career, thanks for the memories mate.