Simon Katich Talks to Croatian Cricket

Australian born Croatian cricket legend Simon Katich, who has played 56 test matches for Australia and scored 10 test centuries, took time out of his busy schedule with English county side Hampshire to talk to Croatia Cricket....

Firstly, thanks Simon for taking the time to chat to us. Obviously Croatia claim you as their finest cricketing son, with even the domestic indoor championship named in your honour, whereabouts in Croatia does your heritage lie?
My Dad's Mum ( Baba ) was born in Zivogosce and came to Australia in 1936. My Dida was born in Kozica and came to Australia in 1924.

How did you first get into cricket and at what age?
I watched it on TV like a lot of kids in Australia during the summer and started playing on the front lawn with Mum and Dad around the age of 4.

You have played international cricket in all forms of the game, Tests, ODI's and T20's and you have scored 10 test match centuries, is there one particular innings in your career that stands out from the rest?
All of my Test 100's were very special but my first one ( 125 v India at the SCG ) was probably my most memorable as it was in Steve Waugh's final Test and we managed to hang on for a draw. Being the first was also significant to me because it made me realise I was good to play at that level.

You have played cricket all around the world, from India to the West Indies, what is your favourite place to travel to, favourite ground and what ground serves the best lunches?
I have always loved playing in India because they are mad about the game and we get treated really well there. The fans there know more about the players than we do about ourselves! My favourite ground is definitely the SCG but the best lunches are at Lords in England. It is like fine dining and I always finish the match there 5kg heavier.

Who is the most difficult bowler that you have ever faced?
Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka. They were both brilliant tacticians and you had to be at the top of your game just to survive against them.

How did you enjoy playing in the Indian Premier League?
The IPL was great fun. My team Kings XI Punjab were part-owned by a Bollywood actress Preity Zinta which was interesting as she had no idea about cricket but quickly learned. We had plenty of other Aussies there ( Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, James Hopes ) to enjoy playing with and it was good to play with the Indian players we were normally opposing.

You have recently retired from first-class cricket in Australia, what do you plan to do now your Australian summer's wont be taken up with cricket? Maybe more time making wine in the Swan Valley?
Although I have retired from 1st class cricket I am still playing in the UK at Hampshire and will be playing for the Perth Scorchers in the Champions League in October so I will still be reasonably busy as I haven't retired fully yet. I still love playing but with a young family I wanted to have a bit of time off during our summer and possibly keep playing in the UK during the winter. The reason I moved to Sydney was so that I didn't have to keep picking grapes for Dad in the Swan Valley!!

How do like to spend time away from cricket? Do you follow what is going on in Croatia or how Croatia went at the recent football Euros?
I like to cook and spend time with my family as I have spent so much time away over the last 15 years touring and playing abroad.
I always have a foot in both camps at the World Cup when Australia and Croatia are involved. I was fortunate to see Goran Ivanisevic win Wimbledon in 2001 with the Australian team and while all the boys were going for Pat Rafter I was glad that Goran won!!

Finally, What advice could you give young budding cricketers here in Croatia who want to be the next Simon Katich and will we ever see you batting wearing the red and white checks of Croatia?
The only advice I like to give is to enjoy what you do. I have always loved playing cricket and I worked extremely hard to get better. Being a part of winning teams is also the best feeling as a player and has given me the most satisfaction during my career.
Now that the Aussie selectors don't require my services, you never know I may finish my career in the red and white checks! Although at my age now I'll probably be of more use as a spinner!!

Thanks again Simon, we wish you all the best for the rest of the season at Hampshire and with Perth and we hope to see you in Croatia soon, preferably opening the batting.