Playing in India is big test for Oz players: Katich
By ANIMonday, July 26, 2010
SYDNEY - Opener Simon Katich has said that the Australian team faces a big challenge in the upcoming Test series against World No.1 India, as several newcomers in the team are yet to play senior cricket in the subcontinent.
Katich and paceman Doug Bollinger on Monday returned home after the drawn two-Test series against Pakistan in England.
The two-Test series in India will be quickly followed by the Ashes defence back home, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Katich, the only Australian batsman to average over 40 against Pakistan, said it would be a very tough series against the Indians.
“We do have obviously quite a few young guys stepping into Test cricket now who haven’t played in India before, so that will be a test for them, but it’s going to be a good challenge,” Katich said.
He believes Australia’s two newest Test players, all-rounder Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Tim Paine, were brilliant against Pakistan and felt each had a bright future.
Katich acknowledged that pacers Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Bollinger weren’t at their best against the Pakistanis.
“I guess the guys probably would have been a little bit disappointed, but they were all trying and you can’t fault their efforts. They all put in and tried their hardest, it just didn’t happen,” he said. (ANI)
