Katich prepares for big summer

Simon Katich is back home getting ready for a busy summer that will include the Ashes and the birth of his first child. Katich, the best Australian batsman in the drawn Pakistan series, will be 35 by the time England visit but he is not planning to wrap up his career.

''I haven't looked at an end date, the last couple of years have probably been my best,'' Katich said in the Sydney Morning Herald. ''I don't want to say, 'geez, this could be all over in a year or two years'. Who knows? I just want to keep enjoying playing cricket."

Katich has not spoken to Ricky Ponting or Michael Hussey about the situation - all three will be 35 when the Ashes starts. "I don't know whether they've got the same opinion as me but I've really enjoyed being back in the team these last two years," he said. "I've cherished every opportunity.''

In the second Test at Leeds, which Pakistan won by three wickets, Katich ended his streak of at least a half-century in nine consecutive matches. He was the most complete batsman during a disappointing series for Australia, scoring 187 runs, including two 80s, in four innings. Despite his recent success, he is trying not to look too far ahead.

''The way I've treated it in the last couple of years is that I treat it one series at a time, even one Test at a time,'' he said. ''I don't want to look too far in front because the problem with this game is that if you look too far in front, all of a sudden a couple of bad Tests, and next thing you know you feel the pressure."

Katich's baby is due in January and with him not being part of the one-day side, he will be able to spend a lot of time at home while his team-mates are at the World Cup. ''It's an exciting time, it was nice to get that news before the [Pakistan] Tests and then go out there and play some cricket," he said. "I guess it will give a different perspective on life when it does arrive, there's no doubt things will change."