New injury scare for Simon Katich ahead of Ashes
Australia Test opener Simon Katich has suffered another injury scare ahead of the Ashes, this time injuring his left shoulder in a fielding incident while playing for state side New South Wales.
The 35-year-old had previously injured his thumb during Australia’s Test series against India during October and the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania was intended to be his final chance for a hit-out ahead of the Ashes, which begin on November 25th.
After the fielding mishap Katich did not open for NSW when they commenced their second innings, but Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris was confident he’ll be fine to play on day two, telling reporters at the close of play that: “It doesn't look like being a serious injury. If he wakes up tomorrow and can't lift his arm that'd be a worry but I'm not expecting that to happen. I expect he'd be okay tomorrow."
Katich was dismissed for one in the first innings, with his Australia and NSW opening partner Shane Watson faring little better as he fell for six as the hosts were dismissed for a paltry 97 on a green-top wicket at the SCG.
Pre-match all eyes had been on the dual between Australia’s first-choice Test spinner Nathan Hauritz and his surprise late challenger for the role, Tasmanian left-arm finger-spinner Xavier Doherty, but with the pacemen doing the damage for Tasmania, Doherty was only afforded four overs to ply his trade, finishing the innings having conceded just seven runs, but without a wicket to his name.
Australia skipper padded up for Tasmania once again on day one, but failed to deliver for the Tigers as he was caught behind for seven. Doherty made 20 batting at No. 10, as Tasmania were dismissed for 125.
Most of the damage was done by Trent Copeland who took six wickets, though the paceman is not among the 17-strong Ashes squad announced on Monday. However, fast bowler Doug Bollinger returned from his abdominal injury with figures of 3-25 in Tasmania’s first innings in a positive sign for his Ashes hopes. Hauritz was not handed the ball as again the pace attack got the job done.
In the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Western Australia, Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson didn’t get the chance to bowl on day one, with his side finishing the day on 319-6. He was, however a major contributor to Western Australia’s total, and was unbeaten on 82 at stumps.