Katich calls time on career

Simon Katich has retired from Twenty20 cricket, a decision that brings an end to his glittering career in the sport. The opening batsman retired from Australia duty in the summer of 2012 but continued for another season in English domestic cricket and played on in the Big Bash League with the Perth Scorchers. But Katich, who is now a player development co-ordinator for AFL team the Greater Western Sydney Giants, has decided to call it a day with immediate effect, ruling himself out of going to India with the Scorchers for the Champions League in September. His decision is based on family reasons, with Katich and his wife Georgie expecting a second child in the near future. "It's always difficult when it comes to making these sorts of decisions," Katich said. "I've obviously been in a similar situation when I made the decision to retire from first-class cricket in Australia a few years ago. "Having been through that before, it helped me understand the process a bit better and the more I thought about it, I felt the time was right. "I have a young family, I've had a great run and for my last game at the WACA, my home ground, to finish with a win in a successful (BBL) campaign, it's the stuff you dream of. I'll finish on a high and that was a big part of the reason I decided to pull up stumps." Scorchers coach Justin Langer spoke of his admiration for Katich, a player he spent time at the top of the Australia order alongside. He said: "In terms of leadership, there have been few stronger leaders in Western Australian cricket history. "His honesty, example and fiercely competitive spirit have held him in high-regard everywhere he has been."