5 Makeshift openers who found success in Test cricket

2) Simon Katich

The Australian cricket cupboard was full of trophies in the last decade and it was all due to the talent involved in their cricketing system. Such was the fierce competition that many deserved candidates got only a handful of opportunities to own their spot in the playing XI. Unfortunately, even a highly skilful player like Simon Katich was also at the receiving end.

The left-hander made his debut as a solid middle-order batsman. He also served the role of a secondary spinner whenever the Kangaroos visited the Indian subcontinent. Still, after all his contributions Katich was unable to get a long rope in the classical format. Until 2008, he played a total of 23 Tests in 7 years but things took a turn in the latter half of his career. He was partnered with Matthew Hayden at the top.

Though the pair didn’t play for a long time because of Hayden’s retirement it was Simon’s most memorable days donning the Baggy Green. He accumulated close to 3000 runs as an opening batsman in 30 games. Nobody can forget his unbeaten 131 against New Zealand on a tough Gabba pitch. Controversially, he was dropped in 2010 after a couple of bad outings and that time he was averaging 50 as an opener.