Australia keen to end batting collapses on English soil, says Katich
By ANIWednesday, July 14, 2010
LONDON - Australian opening batsman Simon Katich has said that his team wants to end the string of dramatic collapses on English soil following Tuesday’s capitulation in the first Test against Pakistan at Lord’s.
Katich admits that the swinging ball in heavy and overcast conditions is never easy for any batsman to counter, but said that the team’s collapses have been too frequent in England.
“It is something that as a batting group we are always aware of. We know these are the sort of conditions, a bit like in India, it is a place where if you get in, then it can certainly be a great place to bat,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Katich, as saying.
“There is always just enough happening, particularly on days like today where it can be hard for the new guy and I don’t think we saw too many poor shots or anything.”
It was just a case of Pakistan stuck to their task and when they got their opportunities they had a crack and bowled some good balls to the new batsmen. It is always hard work starting, but it is something that as a batting group that we really want to rectify,” he added.
A superb swing bowling performance from Pakistani fast bowlers sparked Australia’s the batting collapse, as Ricky Ponting’s men slipped from 2-171 to 9-229 at stumps on a rain-affected day one.
Mohammad Asif (3-53), Mohammad Aamer (3-66) and Umar Gul (1-24) all used the conditions beautifully, but it was Asif’s dismissals of Michael Clarke (47), Simon Katich (80) and Marcus North (0) in a short space of time that rattled the Australians.
Skipper Ponting (26), Shane Watson (four) and debutants Tim Paine (seven) and Steve Smith (one) were among the batsmen who failed to make any impact.
Australia lost 7-52 in the testing conditions with Mike Hussey (38 not out) and Doug Bollinger (0 not out) at crease when bad light ended play early.
The succession of wickets revived memories of Australia’s capitulations during last year’s Ashes series at Lord’s, Edgbaston and The Oval. (ANI)
