Katich does not regret tiff with Gambhir

Sydney, Nov 6 (UNI) Australian all-rounder Simon Katich does not regret getting into a heated confrontation with Gautam Gambhir during the Delhi Test, accusing the Indian opener of initiating the exchange with his unpleasant words.

Katich, who was let off with a fine by match referee Chris Broad, said Gambhir accused him of blocking his way while going for a run.

''I turned around to see where the ball had gone, and (when I) looked up Gambhir was basically into me. Next thing you know the ball was coming back at the stumps so, having looked at the footage, I don't think I have done anything wrong. It's not like I have pushed him out of the way. My hands were up in the air and I just happened to be in his way. If anything, I probably saved (VVS) Laxman from being run out,'' Katich was quoted as saying by the 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

''I don't regret getting in a contest out there. I know 'Punter' probably wasn't happy with it all, which is fair enough because obviously captains come under scrutiny for all that, and I appreciate that, but it is one of those things that happens,'' he added.

''If they had run I think he would have been run out. He's not the quickest bloke. Words were said, I didn't like it and that's what ticked me off. That's why there was a bit of confrontation.'' Katich, who had to be dragged away by vice-captain Michael Clarke and forced an intervention from umpire Billy Bowden who was seen speaking to skipper Ricky Ponting later on.

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