Ponting's men should have respected captain's agreement: Katich

Melbourne, Jan 12 (UNI) Australian batsman Simon Katich believes Ricky Ponting and his men should have respected the mutual pact agreed by both the captains before the series against India started.

Katich said the Australian players should not have stood their ground when they knew that they were out.

Katich said ''I think when you state how you want to play the game, in terms of claiming catches in the field, taking someone's word, then you've got to be careful not to hold your ground when you know you're out.'' He said though he preferred not to make any such agreements with rival captains but once the agreement is made one should respect it.

''I have got no problems with guys not walking, because I believe that is the umpires' job and that is what they're there for.

''There are plenty of times blokes are given out when they're not out so you take the good with the bad.

''[Australia] would have learnt a lot from everything they went through this week. There is a difference between the way we go about our cricket compared to other countries,'' he said.

The left hander added that in cricket there are times when some decisions go players' way and at times they don't.

''Even when I played County cricket, if you don't walk, they will think you are a cheat. They won't outwardly say that, but that's just how they've always played the game.

''Whereas we are brought up in such a competitive environment, and you take the good with the bad. I've had some bad decisions go against me but I'd like to think that over time you get some that go your way and it evens out.'' He also claimed that he had no problems with sledging but racism is something which should be avoided from the game. He further came in support of Australian skipper Ricky Ponting and claimed him as the best man for that job.

''There have been times when I have personally been sledged, and I don't mind it because it actually spurs me on to go on and prove them wrong,'' he said. ''I can get quite aggressive and I enjoy that aspect of the game. I think you learn a lot about yourself when your character is tested.'' Meanwhile, Katich has staked a strong claim for the opener's slot in the third Test by some strong batting performances in the domestic matches. That will be considered only if Hayden is unable get fit before the Test starts on January 16. But the 'New South Wales' captain is unperturbed. is not which if ''Having played a lot of cricket, I think I've experienced quite a few highs and lows in the game,'' Katich said.

''At times I have been going really well, and other times I've been dropped. The guys can see that I have experienced a few of those things at state and international cricket. I have always been pretty level. If I have a good season, I am the same as if I've had a bad season. You obviously get disappointed when you are dropped, but I don't think I've got to a point where I've been at rock bottom and wanted to give the game away,'' he said.

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