Damien Martyn retires
The Ashes have delivered another shock almost as big as Adelaide Day 5 as Damien Martyn has announced his retirement. His statement:
"I would like to advise of my retirement from cricket, effective from today. I do so with a deep awareness of the opportunities that the game and Cricket Australia have provided for me. However, I'm also aware of the tremendous challenges facing Australian cricket including this current Ashes series. Such challenges require people who are more than 100 per cent committed, dedicated, disciplined and passionate about the game, what it seeks to achieve and how those involved in the game can best serve cricket, sport and the wider community. I feel, therefore, its time for me to move aside."Interesting wording - comes across like he's quitting due to lack of ticker. I must admit I didn't see this coming at all. It seems Martyn was to be dropped from the squad with Shane Watson taking his spot. The fact that Watson will probably be unavailable for Perth makes it curious timing - Martyn would've been a cert to retain his spot. Is it just a dummy spit because he would've been dropped? And now the question remains - who will replace him if Watson is injured? Brad Hodge is also injured so Martyn has really thrown the cat among the pigeons with his bombshell.
| Posted by JC on Fri 8 Dec |  25 comments |
Cricinfo is suggest Andrew Symonds is going to get called in. Now thats a surprise, I guess they are thinking if the pitch is a spinning pitch he adds an extra option.
Still they could bring in Phil Jacques.
I guess the big question is who will be number 4. People seem to like Hussey as a number 5. So Clark could get the number 4 slot again, which could stuff him up again.
Posted by Andrew on 2006-12-08 15:55:26
Still they could bring in Phil Jacques.
I guess the big question is who will be number 4. People seem to like Hussey as a number 5. So Clark could get the number 4 slot again, which could stuff him up again.
Posted by Andrew on 2006-12-08 15:55:26
"It seems Martyn was to be dropped" -- surely you need a bit more evidence or or rigorous reasoning before you can make that claim
Posted by TA on 2006-12-08 15:56:37
Posted by TA on 2006-12-08 15:56:37
TA, the article says:
"It's understood Martyn made his decision to quit after being left out of the squad for the third Ashes Test, which starts in Perth on Thursday."
Now, how they *knew* that Martyn was being left out is another matter entirely!
I don't like when the media use phrases like "It's understood", because it often sounds like "We have no sources so we are making this up". :)
Still, my perception of the media aside: quitting your international career in the middle of an Ashes series does smack of "jumping before you are pushed"...
Posted by Timbo on 2006-12-08 16:16:39
"It's understood Martyn made his decision to quit after being left out of the squad for the third Ashes Test, which starts in Perth on Thursday."
Now, how they *knew* that Martyn was being left out is another matter entirely!
I don't like when the media use phrases like "It's understood", because it often sounds like "We have no sources so we are making this up". :)
Still, my perception of the media aside: quitting your international career in the middle of an Ashes series does smack of "jumping before you are pushed"...
Posted by Timbo on 2006-12-08 16:16:39
Re Timbo:
Your explanation still doesn't make sense. It's very simply really. Was Martyn pushed? If your answer is 'yes' than name your source. In order to have this information you must be privy to the conversations going on within Cricket Australia. If you can't name a source it is speculation and therefore to write it up this way is shonky journalism.
Posted by TA on 2006-12-08 16:25:45
Your explanation still doesn't make sense. It's very simply really. Was Martyn pushed? If your answer is 'yes' than name your source. In order to have this information you must be privy to the conversations going on within Cricket Australia. If you can't name a source it is speculation and therefore to write it up this way is shonky journalism.
Posted by TA on 2006-12-08 16:25:45
Here is another interesting perspective:
"After a disappointing start to the series with scores of 29, 11 and 5, Martyn was expected to earn a reprieve for a home-ground appearance in Perth when Shane Watson failed to recover from a hamstring injury. However, Australia's desire to add to the bowling attack appears to have signalled the end for Martyn and it would not be a surprise if Andrew Symonds was selected in the squad today."
It still doesn't make sense to push Martyn out for another bowler though because there wasn't a big outcry to play either Tait or Mitchell.
Posted by TA on 2006-12-08 16:32:41
"After a disappointing start to the series with scores of 29, 11 and 5, Martyn was expected to earn a reprieve for a home-ground appearance in Perth when Shane Watson failed to recover from a hamstring injury. However, Australia's desire to add to the bowling attack appears to have signalled the end for Martyn and it would not be a surprise if Andrew Symonds was selected in the squad today."
It still doesn't make sense to push Martyn out for another bowler though because there wasn't a big outcry to play either Tait or Mitchell.
Posted by TA on 2006-12-08 16:32:41
TA: I'm with you mate, as I just said "Its understood" doesn't really mean a lot to me. I would love to know the source of that information as well. *If* there even is one.
That was my point about the media.
As for Martyn; yes I am purely speculating based on the timing of his exit. That's all.
Posted by Timbo on 2006-12-08 16:58:17
That was my point about the media.
As for Martyn; yes I am purely speculating based on the timing of his exit. That's all.
Posted by Timbo on 2006-12-08 16:58:17
No worries Timbo. I just hate the frenzied feeding of the cricket journalists in Australia. Anyone would think we are two-down in this series. To borrow a line from a poem: Aussie journalists...
"vultures flock then feast then fly" -- Australia's media.
Posted by TA on 2006-12-08 17:10:08
"vultures flock then feast then fly" -- Australia's media.
Posted by TA on 2006-12-08 17:10:08
Andrew Symonds? Noooooooo! I'd take Martyn over Symonds anyday. Martyn has the ability and skills of a Test batsman - he just lacks ticker. Symonds doesn't even have the skills required at Test level.
I'd take a punt on a fifth bowler. Risky, I know, but the English bowling has been feckless this summer whereas there have been question marks over the wicket taking abilities of all our bowlers from time to time. It would be interesting to see how we went with Mitchell in the attack. I can't see it happening but it would be interesting.
Posted by JC on 2006-12-08 17:24:26
I'd take a punt on a fifth bowler. Risky, I know, but the English bowling has been feckless this summer whereas there have been question marks over the wicket taking abilities of all our bowlers from time to time. It would be interesting to see how we went with Mitchell in the attack. I can't see it happening but it would be interesting.
Posted by JC on 2006-12-08 17:24:26
Re the "it's understood Martyn was to be dropped", on reflection, that does seem like journalism talk for 'I heard it mentioned around the water cooler that Martyn should be dropped'. So until further info comes out on whether he was going to be dropped or not, we should assume nothing (I took it for granted initially but should've questioned the article). I guess it's all moot now.
Posted by JC on 2006-12-08 18:03:34
Posted by JC on 2006-12-08 18:03:34
I am from India and a massive Aussie cricket fan. I have never understood the constant bickering about Martyn's capabilities and temperament that you folks keep on about. I have seen the man score runs when they were at a premium. The final frontier that meant so much to the Aussie team was breached mainly on the back of Martyn;s contribution. So calling him spineless and "not up for a fight" and that he gives his wicket away too easily is just a load of crap.
It doesnt come tougher in cricket than making runs against Kumble and Murali on spinning tracks in the subcontinent. I think you should write a homage to Martyn for all the times that you guys have questioned his ticker needlessly.
Posted by jethro on 2006-12-08 18:11:15
It doesnt come tougher in cricket than making runs against Kumble and Murali on spinning tracks in the subcontinent. I think you should write a homage to Martyn for all the times that you guys have questioned his ticker needlessly.
Posted by jethro on 2006-12-08 18:11:15
Excellent comments Jethro. Let us all remember the man for his terrific efforts over the years. He often got out to rash strokes but on his day couldn't he make batting look easy. Bit like Mark Waugh in that respect.
Admittedly this seemed to come out of the blue and there may be more to it than meets the eye.
Thanks, Marto, Northern Territory boy, you've given us great enjoyment.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2006-12-08 21:38:39
Admittedly this seemed to come out of the blue and there may be more to it than meets the eye.
Thanks, Marto, Northern Territory boy, you've given us great enjoyment.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2006-12-08 21:38:39
I'd just like to add that he was also one of the nicest, kindest most down to earth sportsmen around too...something not always that common now a days! He'll definately be missed!
Posted by okbl on 2006-12-09 00:21:33
Posted by okbl on 2006-12-09 00:21:33
Ninemsn news...
"Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland says Damien Martyn was going to be retained in the Australian squad for the third Ashes Test before his shock decision to retire.
Martyn, 35, has been under pressure to hold his middle order spot after scoring just 35 runs in his three innings in the series.
But Sutherland has told reporters the selectors had decided to retain him in the squad for the Perth Test."
Posted by TA on 2006-12-09 01:52:47
"Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland says Damien Martyn was going to be retained in the Australian squad for the third Ashes Test before his shock decision to retire.
Martyn, 35, has been under pressure to hold his middle order spot after scoring just 35 runs in his three innings in the series.
But Sutherland has told reporters the selectors had decided to retain him in the squad for the Perth Test."
Posted by TA on 2006-12-09 01:52:47
A great player. A good way to go. Who will ever forget his performances in Sri Lanka and India. Good Luck in the future
Posted by Michael on 2006-12-09 12:46:37
Posted by Michael on 2006-12-09 12:46:37
Yep, also confirmed in today's Courier Mail. Martyn was in the squad for the 3rd test.
Which makes his decision to retire even stranger... why not finish the series and go out on a winner when the series was over?
I guess he'd just had enough of the media constantly questioning his position in the team. Shame. After all he'd done for Aussie cricket he at least deserved to go out after we'd regained The Ashes (*assuming* that we do, of course!)
Posted by Timbo on 2006-12-09 13:24:24
Which makes his decision to retire even stranger... why not finish the series and go out on a winner when the series was over?
I guess he'd just had enough of the media constantly questioning his position in the team. Shame. After all he'd done for Aussie cricket he at least deserved to go out after we'd regained The Ashes (*assuming* that we do, of course!)
Posted by Timbo on 2006-12-09 13:24:24
The decision to drop Martyn after the last Ashes tour of England should have stood firm.
There is now a far better balance with Hussey at 4 Clarke 5 and Symonds at 6. There is also some playing years ahead of the middle order, which was not the case for Martyn.
JC in one of your posts you said "Symonds doesn't even have the skills required at Test level" Symonds is currently the best fieldsman in the world, bowls two varieties, and hits Monty half way to the car park. Obviously an uneducated guess on your behalf?
Posted by Ian on 2006-12-16 08:38:01
There is now a far better balance with Hussey at 4 Clarke 5 and Symonds at 6. There is also some playing years ahead of the middle order, which was not the case for Martyn.
JC in one of your posts you said "Symonds doesn't even have the skills required at Test level" Symonds is currently the best fieldsman in the world, bowls two varieties, and hits Monty half way to the car park. Obviously an uneducated guess on your behalf?
Posted by Ian on 2006-12-16 08:38:01
Fielding doesn't win Test matches, his bowling is hardly the quality of a 3rd change seamer which is what he'd need to be if we played a second spinner. As for his batting, he lacks the ability to build an innings at Test level. Hitting Monty into the carpark is great for ODI and Twenty20's where I'd be the first to admit he's one of the best in the world. But Test cricket is an entirely different thing. The only innings where he flourishes as a batsman is where we were miles in front and need quick runs before declaring. We need more in our middle order than a fair weather batsman.
Posted by JC on 2006-12-16 10:15:12
Posted by JC on 2006-12-16 10:15:12
BTW, I agree with you that Martyn should've stayed dropped. I just disagree with Symonds at #6. I'm not even sure about Watson at #6 - he's yet to prove he can cut it at Test level either. But there is potential there, he bowls 140+kph and maybe in the hands of Troy Cooley, he can become a useful seamer. If he can just stay fit for a couple of matches.
Posted by JC on 2006-12-16 10:17:34
Posted by JC on 2006-12-16 10:17:34
I said he was the best fielder in the world! The energy and anticipation he shows in the field lifts others around him. That wins matches.
Symonds taking Monty on would have forced him out of the attack, if he had continued.
Symonds bowling second change and being able to bowl off spin when the situation calls for it gives Ponting a host of options.
JC please don't apply to 9 for an expert commentary position, Bill Lawry will just nudge you out everytime ;)
Oh and back to the original subject, Martyn had his resignation letter written by Alan Jones. That says volumes for his character.
Posted by Ian on 2006-12-16 11:47:15
Symonds taking Monty on would have forced him out of the attack, if he had continued.
Symonds bowling second change and being able to bowl off spin when the situation calls for it gives Ponting a host of options.
JC please don't apply to 9 for an expert commentary position, Bill Lawry will just nudge you out everytime ;)
Oh and back to the original subject, Martyn had his resignation letter written by Alan Jones. That says volumes for his character.
Posted by Ian on 2006-12-16 11:47:15
"Symonds taking Monty on would have forced him out of the attack, if he had continued". The phrase 'if he had continued' seems to come up a lot with Symonds' batting.
It's very weird that Alan Jones wrote Martyn's letter. The whole situation surrounding his retirement is bizarre.
Posted by JC on 2006-12-16 12:54:14
It's very weird that Alan Jones wrote Martyn's letter. The whole situation surrounding his retirement is bizarre.
Posted by JC on 2006-12-16 12:54:14
JC eat humble pie re Roy! Seeing it's your website, you should go and delete all your laughable blind opinions on Andrew Symonds now hahahahahaha
Posted by Ian on 2006-12-28 07:49:06
Posted by Ian on 2006-12-28 07:49:06
he sucked anyway, so he should of retired at that point, he wa crap at batting and feilding
Posted by david mccaskie on 2006-12-31 14:34:45
Posted by david mccaskie on 2006-12-31 14:34:45
DAMIEN MARTYN IS A ICON TO EVERY
CRICKETER.HE IS THE WORLD'S GLAMAROUS CRICKET PLAYER.
I PRAY FOR HIS FORTUNES
Posted by C.K.SELVAKUMAR on 2007-02-17 19:45:48
CRICKETER.HE IS THE WORLD'S GLAMAROUS CRICKET PLAYER.
I PRAY FOR HIS FORTUNES
Posted by C.K.SELVAKUMAR on 2007-02-17 19:45:48
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