New South Wales v Victoria, Pura Cup final, SCG, 3rd day

Katich unfazed by Pura Cup record

Cricinfo staff

March 17, 2008

	Simon Katich broke the Pura Cup run-scoring record with a single worked behind square leg off Bryce McGain © Getty Images

Simon Katich says his record-breaking Pura Cup season would mean little unless New South Wales secured the trophy in the final against Victoria. Katich made 92 on the third day in Sydney and in doing so passed Michael Bevan's competition record of 1464 runs, set in 2004-05.

Katich finished with 92 to take his season tally to 1506 at 94.12, however he said winning the title remained his sole focus. "That [the record] is nice and I certainly do respect it," Katich told AAP. "The big thing is not that, it's about winning this Pura Cup.

"That will make me happy. The record is great but it's not what I've been playing the game for."

The Blues closed the third day with an excellent chance of fulfilling Katich's aim - they led by 417 and needed only a draw to walk away with the Pura Cup. Katich's only slight disappointment was falling short of his century when he could not complete a quick single at the call of Michael Clarke, however Katich said he was "getting tired anyway" and there were "no dramas" about the dismissal.

His remarkable season has him firmly back in the frame for Australia's tour of the West Indies in May after he was axed from the Test side in 2005-06. His removal from the ODI line-up came in 2006-07 and he lost his Cricket Australia contract last year.

Katich, 32, then signed a five-year deal with New South Wales, although he might again be considered one of Australia's best 25 players when the new contract list comes out during the off-season. He began the decider needing 137 to pass Bevan's mark and easily achieved the feat with innings of 86 and 92.

© Cricinfo