Katich inspired by Hussey’s consistency

HAMILTON - Australian opener Simon Katich has said he has been significantly inspired by his team-mate Mike Hussey, as they prepare to play their 50th Test matches alongside each other against New Zealand, from Saturday.

Katich and Hussey were former state team-mates with Western Australia, until Katich moved on to be New South Wales skipper.

“Probably three years ago I didn’t think I’d play Test cricket again. It’s different for Huss. He has been a constant in the team for the last four years and he has been outstanding,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Katich, as saying.

“I certainly got a lot of inspiration out of that, seeing him do so well and he deserves every success he’s had because he has worked so hard to get here and when he grabbed his opportunity, he grabbed it with both hands.”

“There’s no doubt there’s a huge amount of respect there for what he has achieved,” he added.

Katich debuted at 25 and was considered a long-term Test player until a poor 2005 Ashes tour led to his axing, and it was only through record-breaking efforts for New South Wales that he forced his way back in during 2008.

The 34-year-old has scored 3600 runs in his 49 Test matches at an average of 45.57. He has scored nine centuries and 20 half-centuries with the highest of 157 against West Indies in 2008.

He also has 21 wickets to his name, which includes 6/65 in the 2nd innings against Zimbabwe in 2001 Sydney Test. (ANI)