© 2004 - 2006 CAITE
All rights reserved.

Martyn accepts his fate

Source: The Daily Telegraph - October 03, 2005

DESPITE words of encouragement from the national selectors, Damien Martyn has all but conceded his Test career is over.

Dumped from the Test side to meet the World XI starting in Sydney on October 14, Martyn has been retained in the limited overs squad to play in the Johnnie Walker Super Series matches at Melbourne's Telstra Dome from Wednesday.

But Martyn, 34 this month, doubts whether he can use this series to reignite his Test career.

"I don't think so," he said. "The side they've picked (for the Test), they'll go with that and give guys a go.

"For me, there is always a chance of playing again but I think it's a slim one."

Martyn may have been premature with his comments because he could be recalled as early as next month's first Test against the West Indies at the Gabba.

All-rounder Shane Watson and leg-spinner Stuart MacGill have been drafted in specifically for next week's SCG Test.

The five-bowler attack could well be axed at the Gabba, allowing Martyn to return.

If his time is up, Martyn said he hoped to remain a part of Australia's 2007 World Cup plans, and would have a better idea of his position after meeting with the national selectors this week.

The No.4 batsman averaged fewer than 20 during the five Tests in England but had averaged 40 or better in his previous nine series.

Martyn's stock was so high before the Ashes that he was given a new two-year contract and rated the fifth best player in the country.

Just four months later, his Test career may be over after 61 Tests and 4125 runs at 47.96 – the last 54 matches coming after a six-year absence between 1994 and 2000.

"Obviously you are disappointed when you get dropped but, for me, I don't want to dwell and go on where you are upset and are bitter about it," Martyn said. "I try and take the positives out of it.

"I woke up the next day with a smile on my face and said, 'Well, life is not too bad'.

"If that's my last Test match, well I've had a great time and I have played 60-odd Test matches.

"At a stage in 1998, I had only seven games against my name, so I look at it in a positive way."

Martyn helped Australia win the first Test at Lord's with a second innings 65 but had a top score of only 28 in his next seven innings.

His frustration was exacerbated by two woeful lbw decisions where he had thick-edged the ball into his pads.

Selection chairman Trevor Hohns and selector Merv Hughes have publicly said they feel Martyn's Test career isn't over, although the West Australian was angered by Hughes' comments that he had to prove himself again at state level despite being the nation's best batsman last year.

Martyn said he hadn't spoken with the selectors since his axing.

"You know what they are going to say, we've all had it before in our careers," he said.

- JON PIERIK