Tiff with Clarke may have cost Katich

Was Simon Katich's axing from Cricket Australia's list of contracted players a fallout of his infamous bust-up with current captain Michael Clarke more than two years ago?

At least that's what an outraged Michael Slater has alleged while reacting to the enterprising batsman's dropping from the list of 25 elite players.

Former opening batsman Slater hinted that the 35-year-old Katich, who was dropped despite a reasonably good Test record, paid for the dressing room showdown with Clarke in 2009.

"I think he has been appallingly hung," Slater was quoted as saying by 'Fox Sports'.

"Maybe the new captain (Clarke) hasn't been a great supporter but I don't think that can be blamed for him (Katich) not making the list of contracted players," he said.

Slater also rejected Cricket Australia's explanation that the left-hander was not included in the list because of his age.