Injured Katich in doubt for SCG Test
January 2nd, 2010 - 12:41 pm ICT by ANISydney, Jan.2 (ANI): Australia opening batsman Simon Katich is in doubt for the second Test against Pakistan because of an elbow injury he picked up in the Boxing Day Test.
Katich’s New South Wales teammate Phillip Hughes, who was dropped from the team after the second Ashes Test in 2009, has been placed on standby, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
“Simon is still working with (team physio) Alex Kountouris on the injury he picked up at the MCG,’ a team spokesman said on Saturday.
“The National Selection Panel has advised that Phillip Hughes will be flown from Melbourne to Sydney this afternoon as a standby player should Simon not be fit to take the field tomorrow morning.’
Katich was struck on his right elbow by a sharp ball from Pakistan pacer Mohammad Aamer on day three of the MCG Test.
Katich and Shane Watson have formed a strong opening combination since the axing of Hughes. The new pairing has shared first-wicket partnerships worth 856 runs in 12 innings at an average of 71.33.
However, the 21-year-old Hughes has been deemed unlucky by some fans to lose his Test spot, and a hundred for NSW in a Sheffield Shield match against Victoria in Newcastle in December underlined his talent.
Hughes averages 52.44 in five Tests, including two centuries.
Earlier on Saturday, Ponting said he was confident of a good showing in Sydney and expected Pakistan to recall leg-spinner Danish Kaneria from a finger injury and include pacer Umar Gul.
Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the Boxing Day Test by 170 runs. (ANI)
- Pak suffers big blow ahead of Sydney Test, Mohammed Aamer out with groin injury - Jan 02, 2010
- Hughes called in as a cover for Katich - Jan 02, 2010
- Hughes makes a comeback for Pakistan series - Dec 21, 2009
- Watson could miss entire series against India - Dec 27, 2011
- Pak-born Khawaja becomes first Muslim to represent Australia in Test cricket - Jun 22, 2010
- Katich declared fit to play third Test against Pakistan - Jan 12, 2010
- Boxing Day Test: Hughes called up as cover for injured Ponting - Dec 21, 2009
- Hughes hammers way back into national reckoning - Dec 20, 2009
- Oz's opening "Odd Couple" developing on formidable lines - Jan 02, 2010
- Clarke not averse to recalling Katich in Australian team - Dec 16, 2011
- Katich keen to regain Oz Test spot - Feb 23, 2011
- Australia include teenage fast bowler for India tour - Sep 02, 2010
- Australia opts for blend of youth and experience for daunting India Test series - Sep 02, 2010
- Never called up selector: Katich - Dec 18, 2011
- Hilditch supports out-of-form Hughes to be long-term Oz Test opener - Jan 03, 2011
Tags: aamer, boxing day, boxing day test, danish kaneria, elbow injury, finger injury, mcg, national selection, new south wales, pacer, ponting, second ashes test, second test, selection panel, shane watson, sheffield shield, simon katich, sydney morning herald, team spokesman, wicket
