Gillespie: We want to make Katich's debut special

Jason Gillespie

August 16, 2001

The preparation for the Test here in Leeds has gone very smoothly. It is great news for Simon Katich that he will make his Test debut. He will be presented with his baggy green cap before the start of play.

It is a huge moment for Simon and all the lads as well. To see a new player join the Test-playing ranks is exciting and I am sure there will be a few butterflies in Kato's stomach before the start of play.

Again, it is an important Test for Australia. We believe we have a lot to play for and still have plenty to prove. Obviously, 5-0 would be an amazing achievement for us (if we can get through this game with a win). Also, we want to show that even though we do not have our captain, Steve Waugh, with us for this game, we can still come out on top so there is huge incentive for us.

I also know that all the lads want to make this as memorable a Test Match for Kato as possible as it is his first.

Tugga's (Steve Waugh) injury to his calf is coming along really well although he says the pain he sometimes feels when our legendary physio, Errol Alcott, gets stuck right in to muscles with all his treatment procedures, is excruciating! He is walking quite freely now and even had a light hit in the nets yesterday.

We know that England are going to come hard at us this game so we have to be right on our toes and be disciplined in all facets of our game if we are going to come out on top and gain our fourth Test win in a row.

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