Australian vice-captain Shane Watson broke defenses on Wednesday to converse of his bemusement over the segregation of his batting partner Simon Katich by Cricket Australia’s (CA) from the list of 25 contracted players.

Katich can still play cricket for two years: Watson

Watson deems that the veteran left-hander had up to two years of international cricket left in him.

“I was very disappointed to be totally honest because I’ve built up a really good friendship and opening partnership with Simon over the last two years and I’ve had a lot of fun batting with him,” said 30-year-old Watson.

Despite being one of the country’s most consistent performers, Katich was not omitted from for the list of 25 man who contracted with Australia with 2011-12 season.

“For me, it was really disappointing because I still felt that he had another at least year or two of good cricket still in him,” Watson added, who is holding the record of most sixes in a one-day international match.

“Being an opening partnership you do become a lot closer because you are taking on the best bowlers in the world together and you need a mate out there to be able to help you out,” he added.

Aussie cricketers backing Katich

It is to be remembered that Watson is not the only man who has criticized selectors for segregating Katich. Former skippers Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and other former and present players have hoisted questions on his omission.