Bowling to Katich, Northbridge Redbacks youngsters enjoy a day to remember

FORMER Test match cricketer Simon Katich faced off against Northbridge Redbacks U-10s this week.

Simon Katich and Redbacks

WHILE his former Test match team mates struggle on and off the dusty fields of India, Simon Katich was facing the best Northbridge Redbacks under-10 side had to offer.

The youngsters bowled three deliveries each to the left-hander as part of their season's final training, followed by a Q&A with Katich.

He said the youngsters did not trouble him quite as much as Shane Warne and Shoaib Akhtar, who Katich named as the best and quickest bowlers he faced in his 56 Test career.

As an additional treat for the youngsters, the famous baggy green was passed around the group.

"Today is one of those days the boys will remember for the rest of their lives," Redbacks coach Phillip Muhlbauer said.

The former Test opener, 37, retired from Australian first class cricket last June but will play for English County side Hampshire this UK summer.

Katich and his wife Georgie have a son, Xavier, 2, who is already handy with a bat.

During the season, the Redbacks train and play at Northbridge Oval each Sunday at 8:30am.

The club is not in an official competition but focuses on improving bowling, batting and fielding skills.