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Former Australia batsman Simon Katich has announced his retirement from competitive cricket with immediate effect. The 38-year-old, who quit first-class cricket in 2012 continued to play Twenty20 cricket for Perth Scorchers and captained the side to KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League title earlier this year.
"Having been through that before, it helped me understand the process a bit better and the more I thought about it, I felt the time was right. 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 (BBL|03) campaign; it's the stuff you dream of. I'll finish on a high and that was a big part of the reason I decided to pull up stumps," Katich told reporters.
Although Katich won't take any further part in the upcoming Champions League T20, the Western Australia player said he has full faith in the Scorchers and believes they will continue to perform well even in his absence.
"I've got a huge amount of confidence in this team. My decision certainly wasn't for any other reason other than I felt I'd had my time and now it's the boys' turn."
Katich, a veteran of 56 Tests and 45 ODIs, looked back upon his tenure with the Scorchers and called it a memorable one. "The past three years have been outstanding at the Scorchers; we've been really consistent and getting to three finals, then getting over the line last year was very rewarding for everyone involved.
"Justin, the coaching and support staff and all the players made the end of my playing years very memorable and very special. That's something I'll always be grateful for; to have finished at my home ground and in front of family and friends, with a great bunch of lads."
Katich's coach and former team-mate Justin Lager lauded Katich's contribution to the side and spoke highly of his leadership skills. "Simon's contribution to Western Australian and Australian cricket has been immense and, whilst I'm disappointed he'll no longer play for the Scorchers, I respect his decision to move on," Langer said.
"As a person of extremely high integrity, I know 'Katto' has given this decision a lot of thought and I respect that he wants to finish his playing career as the captain of the triumphant Scorchers team last summer. I am glad he was able to retire on a high and where he started his illustrious career here at the WACA. In terms of leadership; there have been few stronger leaders in Western Australian cricket history. His honesty, example and fiercely competitive spirit have held him in high-regard everywhere he has been.
"Simon retires as one of the most admired and respected people I have had the privilege to play and work with and there is no doubt he will be a success in anything he pursues in the future. He leaves a legacy of professionalism, skill and physical and mental toughness that act as a wonderful inspiration now and into the future with the young players he has helped along the way."
Australia cricket news - Simon Katich retires from all forms of cricket | gocricket.com
"Having been through that before, it helped me understand the process a bit better and the more I thought about it, I felt the time was right. 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 (BBL|03) campaign; it's the stuff you dream of. I'll finish on a high and that was a big part of the reason I decided to pull up stumps," Katich told reporters.
Although Katich won't take any further part in the upcoming Champions League T20, the Western Australia player said he has full faith in the Scorchers and believes they will continue to perform well even in his absence.
"I've got a huge amount of confidence in this team. My decision certainly wasn't for any other reason other than I felt I'd had my time and now it's the boys' turn."
Katich, a veteran of 56 Tests and 45 ODIs, looked back upon his tenure with the Scorchers and called it a memorable one. "The past three years have been outstanding at the Scorchers; we've been really consistent and getting to three finals, then getting over the line last year was very rewarding for everyone involved.
"Justin, the coaching and support staff and all the players made the end of my playing years very memorable and very special. That's something I'll always be grateful for; to have finished at my home ground and in front of family and friends, with a great bunch of lads."
Katich's coach and former team-mate Justin Lager lauded Katich's contribution to the side and spoke highly of his leadership skills. "Simon's contribution to Western Australian and Australian cricket has been immense and, whilst I'm disappointed he'll no longer play for the Scorchers, I respect his decision to move on," Langer said.
"As a person of extremely high integrity, I know 'Katto' has given this decision a lot of thought and I respect that he wants to finish his playing career as the captain of the triumphant Scorchers team last summer. I am glad he was able to retire on a high and where he started his illustrious career here at the WACA. In terms of leadership; there have been few stronger leaders in Western Australian cricket history. His honesty, example and fiercely competitive spirit have held him in high-regard everywhere he has been.
"Simon retires as one of the most admired and respected people I have had the privilege to play and work with and there is no doubt he will be a success in anything he pursues in the future. He leaves a legacy of professionalism, skill and physical and mental toughness that act as a wonderful inspiration now and into the future with the young players he has helped along the way."
Australia cricket news - Simon Katich retires from all forms of cricket | gocricket.com
