Menu

Simon Katich

Katich2
Katich2 Image: Wikimedia Commons. Theannaconda at English Wikipedia / Public domain

Simon Matthew Katich (born 21 August 1975) is an Australian cricket coach and former cricketer. A left-handed opening batsman and part-time left-arm unorthodox spin bowler, he represented Australia in 56 Test matches between 2001 and 2011. Katich also had an extensive domestic career across Australia and England, and later moved into coaching and broadcasting.

Key facts

Full name Simon Matthew Katich
Date of birth 21 August 1975
Nationality Australian
Batting style Left-handed (opening batsman)
Bowling style Left-arm unorthodox spin (part-time)
Test career 2001–2011 (56 Tests)
State sides Western Australia, New South Wales
County sides Derbyshire, Lancashire
IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab
Major honour 2006 ICC Champions Trophy winner (Australia)

Background

Katich was born on 21 August 1975 and began his first-class career representing his birth state of Western Australia, before later moving to New South Wales, whom he went on to captain.

Playing career

International cricket

Katich made his Test debut for Australia in 2001 and played 56 Test matches for the national side until 2011. He was a member of the Australian squad that won the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy.

Domestic cricket in Australia

After beginning with Western Australia, Katich moved to New South Wales, where he served as captain. He announced his retirement from first-class cricket in Australia on 12 June 2012, but returned to play for Western Australia in 2013.

County cricket

In England, Katich played for Lancashire and for Derbyshire, captaining Derbyshire until the end of the 2007 season.

Indian Premier League

Katich featured in the Indian Premier League, representing Kings XI Punjab.

Coaching and broadcasting

In August 2019, Katich was appointed as the head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. He was present at the 2020 IPL Player Auction held in Kolkata in December 2019. Alongside coaching, he has worked as a cricket commentator for SEN Radio and the Seven Network.

Timeline

  • 1975: Born on 21 August.
  • 2001: Made Test debut for Australia.
  • 2006: Part of the Australian team that won the ICC Champions Trophy.
  • 2007: Concluded his captaincy of Derbyshire at the end of the season.
  • 2011: Played his final Test for Australia.
  • 2012: Retired from first-class cricket in Australia on 12 June.
  • 2013: Returned to play for Western Australia.
  • 2019: Appointed head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore in August; attended the 2020 IPL auction in Kolkata in December.

Significance

Katich's career spanned over a decade of international cricket and included captaincy roles at state and county levels, as well as participation in major franchise tournaments. His subsequent transition to coaching with an IPL franchise and to commentary work reflects a continued involvement with the sport beyond his playing days.

References