Katich to take legal advice on Cricket Australia hearing

According to reports, Katich, 36, was reported by CA for his allegation against Clarke and faces a fine of up to 5750 dollars or suspension.

Sydney: Former Australian opener Simon Katich’s manager and player agent Robert Joske has said that his client and he would be seeking legal advice on Monday before determining how to approach the Cricket Australia (CA) disciplinary hearing the veteran must front over his claim that Michael Clarke was behind his Test sacking.

Joske was stranded in Melbourne yesterday as a result of the Qantas lockdown, but upon his return to Sydney will focus on mounting a plan of attack for Katich. According to a leading daily, Katich, 36, was reported by CA for his allegation against Clarke and faces a fine of up to 5750 dollars or suspension. Katich and Joske last night were yet to decide whether to contest the charge. ``We`ve had some discussions about options but we haven`t determined which option we`re going to take. We`ll do that once we sit down with a legal brain and work out what the opportunities are. There are people that I can consult. Certainly, no one is backward in coming forward to support Simon at the moment,`` Joske was quoted, as saying. Joske is also investigating whether Katich will be able to have legal representation at the hearing to be held in the next fortnight. That matter will likely be in the hands of CA`s general manager of legal and business affairs, Dean Kino. ``My understanding is that whoever is appointed to conduct the hearing makes a determination as to whether legal representation will be allowed,`` he said. He added: ``That`s the first question. When and where the hearing is, and whether legal representation is allowed. I`m just wading through the facts at the moment.`` Katich`s claim that Clarke had played a part in his national contract not being renewed this year was denied vigorously by the latter at the weekend, as well as CA chief executive James Sutherland. Katich said he believed he would not get back into the Test line-up with Clarke at the helm, citing the infamous incident between the pair in the SCG dressing room in January 2009 as a reason for his axing. Katich grabbed Clarke by the throat in a dispute over when the team song should be sung after Australia`s win over South Africa. Joske was not surprised at CA`s decision to censure Katich, who also noted a lack of contact from officials since the explosive news conference he gave in June following his removal from the contract list. ``I thought it was predictable. CA are diligent in the protection of their brand and of their rules and regulations. Obviously CA have a due process that they go through when they believe people have done something untoward as far as their rules and regulations are concerned,`` he said. ANI