Katich backs Ponting, says criticism of captaincy unjustified

Sydney, Dec.12 (ANI): Australian opener Simon Katich has said criticism of Ricky Ponting's captaincy is unjustified and unnecessary, and adds that he backs him fully to lead the side for some more years.

When asked to comment on reports that he would make a better captain than Ponting, Katich said: "Thanks, but no thanks."

Kastich's response came days after former Australian fast bowler Rodney Hogg said he should be the captain instead of Ponting.

Hogg slammed Ponting's captaincy earlier this week after the second Test draw with the West Indies.

Katich said he was flattered to be thought of as a leader, but emphatically said he was 100 per cent behind Ponting.

"It's a shock to hear that sort of stuff. Ricky's obviously done a fantastic job and I'm just happy being back in the team. It's flattering to hear that sort of comment, but at the same time, I know what my role in the team is and that's to open the batting and hopefully be a senior player to help Ricky out. From that point of view [replacing Ponting], I don't buy into that at all," the Daily Telegraph quoted Katich, as saying.

He said criticism of Ponting was harsh and any failure to achieve a good result rests with the entire team, not just the captain.

"We did everything we could the other day to try and win the Test match, it didn't work out. The West Indies deserve some credit for the way they played, they showed a lot of application," Katich said.

Katich also backed opening partner Shane Watson to achieve his first Test hundred in the third Test, starting in Perth on Wednesday, after falling agonisingly short in Adelaide with a first-innings 96.

"So far we've had some reasonable starts and hopefully we can keep building on that," he said. (ANI)