Damien Martyn Retires

[ProphetVX]

Warrior walks from crease

By staff writers and wires
December 08, 2006

DAMIEN Martyn today announced his retirement from all international and domestic cricket, causing the biggest surprise yet of this Ashes summer.

The Australia No.4 was under pressure to keep his place in the side after the second Test in Adelaide having failed in both that Test and the first at Brisbane, but saved the selectors from a tough decision ahead of the third Test in Perth this week with his shock statement today.

Martyn, 35, informed Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland of his decision this morning, and said it was effective immediately.

An inability to commit 100 per cent to the game was the main driver behind the right hander's decision.

"I (retire) with a deep awareness of the opportunities that the game and Cricket Australia has provided for me," Martyn said via a statement.

"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. I have enjoyed everything the game has given me. I have gained from it more then I could have ever imagined. I have made, in the playing of cricket, lifelong friends.

Martyn made his Test debut in 1992 against West Indies at the Gabba but lost his place the next season when he was widely condemned for playing a costly shot when Australia lost narrowly to South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

It would become a running theme in his career.

He spent six years out of the Test team but regained his place during Australia's tour of New Zealand. He cemented his position in the team during the 2001 Ashes series, when he scored his maiden Test century at Edgbaston.

But he would become a scapegoat for Australia's Ashes loss four years later, and was swiftly dropped from the Test side upon its return from England.

Only this week he also received critical reviews for his efforts in the astonishing Adelaide win that put Australia 2-0 up in this current Ashes series, and around 60 per cent of close to 4000 FOXSPORTS.com.au readers voted that he should be dropped from the team for Perth.

Martyn's golden year came in 2004, when he scored six centuries in a calendar year. But he would fail to repeat such heroics.

Despite a return to the team for this year's tour of South Africa, where he scored a match-winning 101 in the first Test at Johannesburg, he has managed just 56 runs in five innings' since.

Martyn averaged 46.38 in his 67 Tests with a highest score of 165. He also played 208 limited-overs internationals for Australia, scoring five centuries.

He starred in Australia's World Cup win over India in 2003, scoring an unbeaten 88 in a huge partnership with current Australia captain Ricky Ponting, to whom he paid tribute today.

"In particular, I want to thank the Australian captain, Ricky Ponting and all members of the current Australia Test and one-day sides," Martyn said.

"They have always been utterly supportive, totally professional and completely committed to all that their responsibilities require of them.

"I said to myself when I made this decision in the past 48 hours that I may lose friends in doing what I'm doing. But I also said to myself that if I stayed doing what I was doing I may equally lose respect for myself and the friendship of those around me who are entitled to expect from me more than 100 per cent."

Sounds like he was pushed, pretty odd to retire mid-series... It's a shame he's had to go out this way he's been a great player for us over the years. So it begs the question, does this mean Jacques is now in the side..

[craigvk]

Bummer. Yet another good player gone. Ah well it happens.

[Mr Squishi]

It's funny, I've never actually watched a match where he got more than 30 runs. Still, it sucks that he's being (probably) pushed into retirement

[drewins]

Yeh he probably knew he was going to get dropped soon so rather than go out on being dropped he went out himself. I never really saw him play a good innings either. Seemed like whenever I watched him he failed. Gives a younger player an oppurtunity. But knowing The aussie selectors they will go with some 30 year old NSW player. Or Victorian.

WHAT ABOUT MARK COSGROVE? Hes young. Give him an oppurtunity.

[minux]

The only inclusion will be putting Watson into the side, as far as i see it anyway.

[ProphetVX]

The only inclusion will be putting Watson into the side, as far as i see it anyway.

Watson's been ruled out as far as I know, still niggling injury. Apparently Symonds has been added to the squad with Martyn's departure, so he may be brought into the side and clarke moved up the order.

Either that or Jacques will get a shot.

[craigvk]

Bring Symonds in! He is always good to watch.

[BadSeed]

or Brad Hodge, he bats around 4...

[Marco-EFIVL]

Looks like fellow West Aussie Adam Voges got the nod.
Well deserved too, look how well he has been playing in recent years in the domestic series (and consistantly too!).

Still...
*Sheds a tear*
"MARDO, WE LUV YA MATE!".

[Mr_Slim]

Martyn was over-rated and i haven't seen him make a good innings in years. He doesn't have the patience to bat at No4 and his technique has been getting worse.

While i don't like to say "im glad he's gone" ill just say "im glad he's not in the team anymore"

Phil Jaques should be in the team but he's not. What must this man do? surely he's boned AB's wife or something because he can't buy a spot in the team.