Simon Katich Escapes With Only A Reprimand

Simon Katich has been let off with only a reprimand for his comments against the current Australian skipper, Michael Clarke.

Katich, who had accused Clarke of having a hand in his axing from the Australian side, could have been suspended for a breach of contract. However, after Katich pleaded guilty at the CA Code of Behaviour hearing, he was allowed to continue playing first class cricket with only an official reprimand.

Speaking to SEN Radio after the hearing, Katich said, "It's not something you want to go through but I'm glad it's out of the way now and very grateful for Commissioner Lewis' findings,"

Katich also acknowledged that it was the frustration from being dropped and the mixed messages that he was getting from the selectors and from those in the team that had led him to say what he did against Clarke.

The former Australian opener was dropped from the team despite being one of the highest scorers in recent times for the Australian side. He announced in a press conference a few days later that he would like to continue to play for New South Wales without pegging the blame on Clarke. However, in an interview later he did admit that he thought that Clarke had a role to play in his sacking.

Clarke and Katich were involved in a scuffle a few years ago, which led to the former opening bat grabbing the current captain by his throat. While both players acknowledged that they had moved on after that incident, there are still under-currents of it having affected Katich’s chances of making it at to the Test team at the top of the order.