Damien Martyn announces retirement

[Milo]

I'm sure his absence will not be noticed in the test side now. I do think they will may need him in the world cup.

A career that really could have been better. He was unlucky to be dropped for his role in the South Africa defeat in the early 90s. Took him a long time to win his place back whilst the Aussies picked Bevan, Blewett and a young Ponting (before they dropped him also). When he finally got back in his form was initially brilliant (as it had been for the two years prior to this). He looked a class batsman in the 2001 Ashes (probably the best player in that series at 6). Struggled to really take to the number 4 position after Mark Waugh's retirement (similar in not backing up the style with real consistent runs) but did contribute significantly to the wins in Sri Lanka and India (which will be his greatest achievements).

Time to go though.

[cantplaycantalk]

Jacques is a better player IMO, and it is better to bring him in and bed him in before some of the others retire (at the end of the ashes series?)

Great respect for DM he has made a very difficult decision and it looks like he has made it in the interests of his team ahead of himself. Now can you get him to have a chat with Ashley Giles

[Holden]

Goodbye Martyn he will be sorely missed by Australian cricket!
You have to respect the bloke for walking on his terms and he has been a fine servant for Australian Cricket. I'd have him on my side anyday.

[Oliver]

Originally Posted by cantplaycantalk

Great respect for DM he has made a very difficult decision and it looks like he has made it in the interests of his team ahead of himself. Now can you get him to have a chat with Ashley Giles

You took the words out of my mouth cpct - I was gonna say:

Two things here, one being that in the past struggling batsman have looked forward to playing against England in order to get their form back... I'd have to say that this is one up to England for finally getting the retirement point across to someone.

Point two is the Ashley Giles thing. As said above, it takes a very big man to admit to himself, even, that he is no longer able to deliver at the highest level. Damien Martyn is clearly that kind of man.

Ashley Giles however is a wriggling and squirming worm barely moving on his belly.

I write with the horror that Australia's batting will be enhanced almost stratospherically by the inclusion of Phil Jaques. And I just pray that Matthew Hayden doesn't find it in his heart to go the same way. We do need one weak link to attack.

[Harmy's Army]

Originally Posted by Oliver

I write with the horror that Australia's batting will be enhanced almost stratospherically by the inclusion of Phil Jacques.

Really odd that Adam Voges got the call up ahead of Phil Jacques.

[Oliver]

Well that's fine. I've never heard of him; and nor has CricInfo StatsGuru.

I wait with trepidation to see him score 300 in his first knock against us. Giles ninety-three overs naught for 720.

I guess they must be waiting for Hayden to hang up his gloves before allowing Jaques into the squad.
Prepare for an announcement from that quarter.

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by Oliver

Well that's fine. I've never heard of him; and nor has CricInfo StatsGuru.

Try this: http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausve...ayer/8119.html

I reckon the selectors wanted another middle-order bat...and Jaques is an opener.

[KennyG]

Originally Posted by Harmy's Army

Really odd that Adam Voges got the call up ahead of Phil Jacques.

A bit of a surprise, but he is a Western Australian & bats in the middle order.
IMO he would not have got picked in the squad if the next test was not in Perth.

What is a big surprise is that they added Symonds.
He is great/good? in the 50 & 20 over game but has not got a clue at test level.(10 tests. 286 runs at 19.07,9 wickets at 45.44)
They can both consider themselves lucky that the logical replacements (S.Watson & B.Hodge) are both injured.

I wonder why Martyn retired before his home test(Perth)?
That would have been a nice send-off for him.

He should have played alot more tests but he coped all the blame when P.S de Villiers ripped through our batting order at the S.C.G. when we were chasing a small total.(I remember watching that on T.V. It still gets me angry )

[Aussie-Yank]

Firstly I will give 10 out of 10 to DM for his decision. He certainly has my respect for the way he has bowed out of International cricket.

Now I can get rid of my DM vodoo doll so he would be dropped from the Australian side.

I would say he knew that he was not going to be picked in the line-up to play in Perth, so the best way to save face is to retire and go out gracefully. Which I am quite happy to see.

[Maranello]

Originally Posted by Aussie-Yank

so the best way to save face is to retire and go out gracefully

Sadly, only a minority of top sportsmen and women see it that way, and most hang on way beyond their usefulness. The rarity associated with it makes Martyn's decision all the more laudable.