Melbourne, Dec 26 (IANS): Simon Katich has finally resigned to his fate of being an ex-Test player and has backed his former New South Wales teammate Ed Cowan, who made his Test debut here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the Boxing Day Test, to prosper against India in the four-match series.

The 36-year-old Katich feels Cowan, who now plays for Tasmania, will be he worthy successor as a Test opener.

"Ed Cowan is definitely ready for Test cricket. He's made a lot of runs this year, he deserves his chance and he's got a big future ahead of him," said Katich.

Katich said there are no hard feelings over his Test sacking despite being dropped by Cricket Australia (CA) from the list of 25 contracted players for 2011-12 while averaging more than 50 since his recall to the Test squad in 2007.

"I've spoken about my international career recently, a lot has happened in the past five months, but I understand the selectors are probably going in a different direction," Katich said.

Katich said he would be grateful for the Test opportunities that he got.

"I'm fortunate that in the last few years, I got back in the Test team. I've got to look at it positively. I've played 56 Tests instead of being stuck on 23 so I will always be grateful for that.

"There are lots of people worse off than me in the world. As much as it was disappointing to know that I probably wouldn't play Test cricket again, I've dealt with that, and I'll play cricket for whoever wants me for as long as I can," he said