Katich disputes Clarke ‘peace’

THE fallout in Australia following the release of Michael Clarke’s autobiography has continued, with Simon Katich rejecting Clarke’s claim they reconciled after an infamous dressing room fight in 2009.

A disagreement peaked after a victory at the SCG when Katich reportedly grabbed then vicecaptain Clarke by the shirt over a disagreement about when the team song would be sung.

Katich made 56 Test appearances for Australia,scoring ten centuries and averaging a touch over 45,but it wasn’t always happy families in the dressing room.

This is one of many stories revisited with the publication of Clarke’s autobiography, My Story, though he goes on to state that he and Katich are now friends – something the latter disputes.

Katich said:“It’s a bit of a stretch of the imagination given I’ve hardly spoken about it since it all happened,and obviously haven’t played since he took over as captain.

“I don’t want to be drawn into it too much because it’s old news but I saw ShaneWatson’s comments during the week and I thought he hit the nail on the head with it.I thought it was rather ironic that he was called the tumour.

“I guess at the moment he’s (Clarke) trying to sell a book,so it’s amazing how more and more of the story comes out.

“We’ve hardly spoken since it all happened ... (our relationship is) non-existent.”

Clarke had earlier said that all differences had been put aside and the pair were at least back on talking terms.

Clarke,who made 115 Test appearances for his country, said:“I was brought up with this old-school mentality that if you have a disagreement,or have a fight or a stink with someone, then you go and have a beer straight after.

“You go and catch up and you’re over it,that was what happened with Simon and I in my opinion.”

Katich’s recollection is somewhat different,with him adding: “The opposite happened ..he never came back in the dressing room.”