PERTH, Australia, CMC – West Indies’ impressive showing in the Adelaide Test did not catch Australia unawares, claims opener Simon Katich.
“All along, all the players, we knew the West Indies would be competitive,” said the left-hander, reflecting on the second Test where Australia were forced to fight in order to stave off defeat on the last day. “I don’t think you’ve heard any negative stuff coming from any of our players. They (West Indies) got out there and played some really good cricket. Started well and we obviously tried our best to win the game but was always going to be a tough task given 330 to score on the last day.”
West Indies were lifted by their batsmen who tallied 451 after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Their bowlers then limited the Aussies to 439 before the Caribbean side, led by a superb, unbeaten 165 from captain Chris Gayle, put up 317 in their second innings. In pursuit of their victory target, Australia tumbled to 139 for five at one stage before hanging on to draw at 212 for five.
Katich, who has scored 193 runs from his three innings and narrowly missed out on three figures twice, said he believed the third and final Test in Perth next Wednesday would be a competitive affair especially with the wicket expected to suit faster bowlers.
“Going on the last Blues (New South Wales) game there about a week or so ago the boys said it was one of the quickest wickets they’d played on in a while,” the 34-year-old said. “Doug Bollinger got eight wickets for the match and was apparently pretty quick. From that point of view, if it’s like that we’ll be expecting an interesting Test match because both teams have got very good quick bowlers, guys who can bowl 150 km/h plus, which will be an interesting workout for us batsmen.
He added: “It’s been a very good series so far and I’m sure Perth will be a very good Test match.”
Australia retained the Frank Worrell Trophy by virtue of winning the opening Test at the Gabba and drawing the second match of the three-match series in Adelaide.
