Sydney, Jan. 12 : Australian Test opener Simon Katich does not believe the ongoing controversy surrounding former skipper Kevin Pietersen and former coach Peter Mooresa will damage England''s hopes of trying to win back the Ashes this year.

Katich, who has not looked back since being reinstated to national duty last year, and has amassed 461 runs at an average of 57.63 during the five Tests on home soil this summer, was quoted by the Daily Telegraph as saying: "It''s been huge news, but in saying that the Ashes are a long way away, they''ve got a lot of cricket to play and so have we."

"Anything can happen in that next period and no doubt things will settle down now Strauss has been named as captain. Obviously they had an issue and it''s come to a head. There has to be bit of give and take both ways (between captain and coach)," he added.

"He (Strauss) has shown in the past when given the reins he has done a good job. You can try and read into it, but at the end of the day it''s still a long way away," Katich said.

Katich also hoped fellow opener Matthew Hayden will push on to South Africa and the UK after showing positive signs in his second innings during the Sydney Test.

"For those of us trying to fill his shoes at the top of the order, they''re big shoes to fill. For me it''s been great opening with him and I look forward to seeing him hopefully continue," Katich said. (ANI)