Strange days for new captain Katich

SYDNEY - Newly appointed NSW Cricket captain Simon Katich today found it strange to comprehend he would be leading a team he had never played for and said he still had to earn the respect of his players.

Batsman Katich, who has moved across from Western Australia, will lead the Blues in their ING Cup season opener against Queensland at North Sydney on Sunday and in every other game this summer whenever Steve Waugh is unavailable.

NSW management fast tracked Katich into the captaincy in a bid to bring some uniformity to the position after five players led the team last season.

Chairman of selectors Brian Taber said it spoke a tremendous amount for Katich that he had already got the full support of the club.

"Simon to his credit said 'I need the full support of senior players'. And with us canvassing players at practice and at games, the feel was good," Taber said.

Katich, 27, who has played one Test, led WA for much of last season and has also captained the Cricket Academy and Australia A.

"It's a big thrill and I am honoured to be named captain. Obviously the fact that I haven't played with the guys is a bit strange to sort of comprehend, but it's something that I am looking forward to doing," Katich said.

The prolific left-hander Katich said he consulted some of the other players and gave the offer some thought before accepting the job.

"Regardless of what I have done in the past with WA, that counts for very little because I haven't actually done it with the guys here," he said.

"But saying that, that can also work to your favour because I'm obviously very keen to do well".

NSW coach Steve Rixon said the beauty of Katich's captaincy would be "a more quieter version of the style we've had in the past.

"He's very much a thinker and very humble with his decision making and I think he's got some very good people skills which is going to make sure the younger guys are looked after."

Katich was one of three changes to the team which beat the Bulls in last season's ING Cup final.

Fast bowler Don Nash and allrounder Grant Lambert were recalled, while those missing from last year's triumphant team were batsman Mark Higgs (now with South Australia), paceman Stuart Clark (injured) and batsman Matthew Phelps (dropped).

Clark, the NSW Cricketer of the Year for 2001-2002 could also miss the Blues opening Pura Cup Match against Queensland in Brisbane starting on October 16 because of his ankle injury, while Taber said Michael Slater faced a lot of competition for a spot in that team.

Slater will play for an invitational 11 against the NSW one day team in a practice match at Bankstown Oval tomorrow.