Cricket

Indian tour more important than Ashes: Katich

Australian batsman Simon Katich reckons his team’s rivalry against India has become “bigger” than the Ashes in recent times and predicts the upcoming Test series in October will be tough for his side.

Katich, who is currently in India leading the Australia ‘A’ team, said beating India at home in 2004 was one of the greatest victories for Australia and the team was geared up to repeat the feat.

Asked whether a series against India was bigger than the Ashes, Katich said “Definitely. I feel the hard fought series in 2001 when India won that Test match in Kolkata after being down in the dumps triggered this fascinating rivalry.

“Later we beat India in their own backyard in 2004 after 35 odd years and got the much-desired revenge. It was one of the greatest victories for us. Once again India came to Australia last year and it was a fantastic series. This year in October once again it’s going to be a toughie for us. I can’t wait for it”, he said.

Australia’s new-look pace trio of Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark have never featured in a Test match in India before. How fast would they be able to adjust to the conditions?

“It’s true that these guys have not played a Test match in India before but they have travelled to India and have a sense of the conditions. All three have been doing terrifically well in the last 12 months or so and the fact that they got to bowl at the Indians last year is a huge plus point,” he added.

Tags: Ashes, India-Australia 2008, Simon Katich