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Warning: include() [function.include]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /home/damienm/public_html/articles/main.php on line 59 Warning: include(http://www.damienmartyn.net/navbar.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /home/damienm/public_html/articles/main.php on line 59 Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening 'http://www.damienmartyn.net/navbar.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/damienm/public_html/articles/main.php on line 59 Martyn really is at crossroadsSource: The Advertiser - October 6, 2005HIDDEN beneath the joy of Australia's world-beating win last night lay another sad chapter in the demise of Damien Martyn. This was a nerve-settling win which gave Australia much to like about its short term future. Glenn McGrath bowled like a man with a bumper summer ahead. Simon Katich showed poise in his new role as opener and Nathan Bracken looked steady. Shane Watson's seamers surged through the 140kmh mark which means with any degree of movement he should be a dangerous proposition and a valuable player. But Martyn failed again and it is important he clears his head quickly otherwise his international career could be over in a heartbeat. While it would be wrong to over-read the significance of one limited overs dismissal, Martyn's third ball demise to Muttiah Muralitharan last night when he boldly advanced and spooned a catch to mid-on created bad vibes. Against the second most successful spin bowler of all time it was a poor option, the shot of a man not at peace with his game. The day Martyn was dropped from the Test side last month selector Merv Hughes said Martyn had to go back to Pura Cup cricket and prove himself again. Martyn took exception to the comments and said he didn't have to prove himself at all. The trouble is, he does. His Test place looks gone forever and, in one-day cricket he has the likes of Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds all snapping at his heels for time up the order. Martyn wants to play in the 2007 World Cup and to do so he must fire immediately. Even the fact he was substituted out of the game last night was not a good portent for his future. Martyn is a complex character who only a few team-mates claim to really know. He reveals his inner thoughts to few. When under siege he can retreat deep inside himself and there have been times when he has been suffering off-field dramas in his life when even his closest mates could not reach him by phone. He loathes the spotlight even to the point where attending corporate functions is simply not his cup of tea so he will be tested by the publicity over his form. The challenge now for Martyn is to mentally regroup and somehow shed the form woes which dogged him in England. It won't be easy in this Super Series, for the World XI will field five outstanding frontline bowlers every game. There is no weak link. - ROBERT CRADDOCK | ||||||
