There is one Australian batsman plundering runs in England. He's not doing it for his country, but it seems he'd be willing to if called upon.

Simon Katich is in as fine form as he's ever been. But the beneficiary is county Lancashire in north-western England, not the flailing Australian team.

Ready to come to Australia's aid: Simon Katich.

But whereas Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey have made clear their intention to never again wear the baggy green, Katich has not retired from the top level, despite the controversy that surrounded his interaction with the national set-up in 2011.

Katich all-but confirmed to Fairfax Media on Saturday morning that he would answer an SOS call, if John Inverarity's selection panel picked up the phone.