Q&A: Katich on first men's Draft pick, tactics & format
NEWSThe Manchester Originals men's Head Coach, Simon Katich, tells all. His first men's Draft pick. Who he'd bring to a game. And what he thinks of the format.
Simon Katich is in. The first men’s coach in The Hundred. The Aussie legend will lead the Manchester Originals team. And he’s raring to go…
First coach in The Hundred. Excited?
Something new is always exciting. I want to help make it a success. I like that it’s family-friendly. And the game is going to be short and sharp.
Katich brings experience to The Hundred from leagues around the world
What about the new format?
The format is obviously new with the rules, 10-ball overs and a strategic timeout. I’m looking forward to being a part of that and throwing up different tactics.
What kind of tactics?
If there’s someone with a new ball in favourable conditions, and they can bowl the first 10 balls of the match, you can make an immediate impact. Especially as batsmen will have to go harder earlier. Same for a specialist death bowler. It will be interesting to see if teams draft players with that in mind.
Katich won the Big Bash with Perth Scorchers in 2014
Players won’t have much time to get it right, will they?
It will be interesting to see which players adjust quickly. They are under huge pressure. All the players are constantly having to evolve their game so the opposition can’t dictate terms. Even more so in this shorter format.
Who would be your first pick in the men’s Player Draft?
That’s tough! There’s a lot of very good players in the world. We’re seeing that in the World Cup. You only have to look at England. A number of their batsmen are the best in the world. We’re lucky at Manchester Originals that Jos Buttler is involved at Lancashire. Hopefully he might be the first cab off the rank.
Katich teases the duo of Alyssa Healy and Mitchell Starc at Manchester Originals. What a combination that could be?
And in the women’s Manchester Originals team?
I’m biased but it’s hard to go past the Aussie girls. You never know, there might be an Alyssa Healy and Mitch Starc combo at Manchester Originals!
Favourite place in Manchester?
I really like Old Trafford itself. It’s a special place for me. I’ll never forget one of my last games. I could hear the roar from Old Trafford football ground down the road with Man Utd playing while we were. It puts goosebumps on your neck. You’re in that sporting precinct. It’s a pretty special place to be.
He’s one Australian who loves Old Trafford
Who’s coming to watch The Hundred with you?
I try to take family to games. My eldest son plays. He loves it and he’s only eight. He knows a lot of the modern players. I’m sure he would love to see a game at Old Trafford and enjoy the atmosphere of being at a live game. Like any sport, it’s always better live.