NATION NEWS
Katich sends early signal
Published on: 5/18/08.

TRELAWNY, Jamaica – Simon Katich struck form at the right time, but was unable to seal his return to national colours with a century as he fell three runs short on the second day of the tour match against a Jamaica XI.

With Michael Clarke missing the first Test due to family reasons, Katich sealed his place as the Australians reached a strong 396. Jamaica were 11 with out loss at the close.

Katich took his time after resuming in the morning on 35 and kept the innings together after losing Phil Jaques for 48, Ricky Ponting for 17 and Michael Hussey for 19.

While Ponting and Hussey missed out on long stays, Andrew Symonds, who was 59 not out, and Brad Haddin (42 not out) joined Katich in a much needed warm-up for the first Test at Sabina Park from Thursday. Katich missed his milestone when aiming spinner Lorenzo Ingram towards midwicket, where Xavier Marshall collected a fine diving take. (Cricinfo)

Summarised scores:JAMAICA 297 (Carlton Baugh 111 not out, Xavier Marshall 30, Simon Jackson 29, Brenton Parchment 25, Gavin Wallace 22; Stuart McGill 4-79, Simon Katich 2-51, Mitchell Johnson 2-64) & 11-0.

AUSTRALIA 396 (Simon Katich 97, Andrew Symonds 86, Brad Haddin 64, Phil Jaques 48; Donovan Sinclair 3-14, Nikita Miller 2-75, Andre Russell 2-85).