Australia's vice-captain Adam Gilchrist has thrown his support behind opening partner Simon Katich as the team prepares for its first match of the ICC Champions Trophy in India.
Katich has been under mounting pressure from cricket pundits for his slow scoring rate at the top of the Australian one-day batting line-up, while the use of Matthew Hayden, Phil Jaques and all-rounder Shane Watson in the opening role during the recent one-day series in Malaysia suggests that selectors are also searching for opening options.
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But Gilchrist said Katich offered more to the team than quick runs at the top and pointed to his stability as his key asset.
"You didn't want to be four or five wickets down when it's heavy going because that robs you of any launching pad, and Kat (Katich) is a guy who can apply himself really well in those circumstances," Gilchrist said in the The Australian.
"Kat has been fantastic at trying to learn that opening role in one-dayers and to improve in whatever areas he feels like he needs to."
"He is always aiming to improve and get better from his own individual perspective, and for the needs of the team."
"He just has to have faith in his ability and keep doing what he does, and I'll just encourage him to keep backing himself."
Gilchrist also dismissed claims that he was having to increase his strike rate to compensate for Katich's pedestrian scoring in the opening overs of one-day internationals.
"I've tried never to change my role regardless of who I'm batting with," Gilchrist said.
"Whether it's been Mark Waugh or Matthew Hayden or Simon Katich, I'm picked to do my job and I'll try and do it no matter who I'm with."
Australia plays its first match in the Champions Trophy next Wednesday against a qualifier.
