June 01, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 26, 1429

NORTH SOUND (Antigua), May 31: Australian batsman Simon Katich celebrated his return from the international wilderness with a third Test century against West Indies on Friday, a turnaround he credits to a more laid-back approach.

The 32-year-old Katich’s return to the side in the first Test in Jamaica last week ended a two and a half year exile from the Test team, during which he lost his contract with Cricket Australia.

“It felt special because it’s obviously been a long time,” he said of his unbeaten 113.

“As a Test batsman that’s what it’s all about, trying to score hundreds.”

Katich’s previous centuries came against India in 2004 and New Zealand in 2005. He said he had wondered if he would get another chance.

Katich got his chance after some excellent domestic form.

He scored a record 1506 Pura Cup runs at an average of 94.12.

The retirement of Adam Gilchrist and injury to Matthew Hayden opened the door to a return to the Test side in the role of opener. His skipper Ricky Ponting, said that despite two low scores in the first test, Katich had proved his ability and was now a more confident performer.

“He has been in as good a form as anyone in the world, never mind in Australia.”—Reuters