Sydney, Dec 5 (IANS) Discarded Australian Test opener Simon Katich was let off with a reprimand by a Cricket Australia disciplinary hearing for making controversial comments against current captain Michael Clarke. Katich pleaded guilty to the charges made by CA.
The hearing was chaired by retired county court judge Gordon Lewis.
Katich was charged with bringing the game into disrepute after he said that his much publicised dressing room bust-up with Clarke during a Sydney Test two years ago had contributed to the opener losing his national contract. The Southpaw had also said that he was not likely to get a national call-up as long as Clarke is at the helm.
‘It was never my intention to infringe the CA Code of Behaviour. I merely summed up the situation as I perceived it to be in relation to my career and the opportunities that I think currently exist for me to play Test cricket,’ Katich said in a CA release.
Katich escaped any ban or fine.
‘I am delighted that Commissioner Lewis took into account my previous good record and the character references I submitted.’
Katich made it clear that he was in no mood for retirement.
‘I am not retiring. I still love playing cricket and I intend to score many more runs before pulling stumps. I would like to thank everyone who has sent me messages of support,’ said Katich, who is all set to feature for New South Wales in a Sheffield Shield game against Tasmania starting in Canberra Tuesday..
-Indo-Asian News Service
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