Katich, Rogers join commentary ranks

Former Test batsmen Chris Rogers and Simon Katich have joined ABC Radio's cricket coverage for the upcoming summer.

Rogers, who retired following the Ashes, made a guest commentary appearance during Channel Nine's coverage of the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup last month and will be one of several expert analysts for Grandstand this summer.

Joining Rogers will be Katich, who played 56 Tests between 2001 and 2010, and former Australian and Netherlands international Dirk Nannes.

Jim Maxwell will again lead the ball-by-ball commentary team, his 39th summer behind the microphone, while respected AFL and horse racing commentator Gerard Whateley has also joined the team.

The Australian is reporting that Kiwi Brian Waddle and West Indian Fazeer Mohammed will contribute as ball-by-ball callers.

"I’m really pleased with how the commentary team has come together this year and we’re all looking forward to sharing what will be an exciting summer as the new Australian team comes together under Steve Smith," Maxwell said.

"The team we have in the box this year has a strong understanding of the game and will draw on their own experiences in top flight cricket to bring their unique insights to listeners. And I’m sure we’ll have a bit of fun as we get to know each other."

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Whateley, Rogers and Katich chat to Steve Smith // Getty Images

Katich, who has worked with AFL club GWS Giants since his retirement, recently signed on as an assistant coach for Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

Nannes, who played 17 T20 internationals for Australia and the Netherlands and one ODI for Australia, has previously been a regular member of the BBC's radio commentary team.

The trio of experts joined Maxwell and Whateley in commentary for the Matador Cup final in Sydney a week ago.