Hilditch dismisses suggestions over Katich not playing first Ashes Test

SYDNEY - Australia’s chief selector Andrew Hilditch has dismissed suggestions that top-order batsman Simon Katich was in doubt for the first Test when the Ashes start on November 25.

Katich recovery from a thumb injury has improved markedly in the past fortnight and he needs to only emerge unharmed from a club game with Randwick-Petersham this Saturday to be available for NSW’s Shield clash with Tasmania next week.
I know that I’ve played with it. I know what it’s like with it sore and been able to get through - but [I] didn’t play as well as I liked,” Katich said.

Hilditch dismissed suggestions Katich was in doubt for the first Test, The Sydney Morning herald reports.

“I wouldn’t have thought so. He played both Tests in India with exactly the same injury that he’s got now, but it did concern him in India so we’re taking a pretty conservative approach,” Hilditch said.

Katich’s likely availability means Phil Hughes will have to be satisfied partnering Shane Watson during the Shield match and not representing Australia. (ANI)