© 2004 - 2006 CAITE
All rights reserved.

Wanderers return will inspire Aussies, says Martyn

Source: Sify - February 23, 2006

Australia's return to the Wanderers stadium, where they won the World Cup three years ago will inspire the touring side in Friday's Twenty20 international against South Africa, batsman Damien Martyn said.

"It's a special place for a lot of the guys and a great venue. It's big, there'll be lots of noise and we expect a big Friday night," Martyn told reporters, after Australia's fielding practice at the ground.

"We're looking forward to getting out there, having a run and putting on a show. The wicket's always great and the outfield is fabulous."

Australia's last match at the Wanderers - South Africa's premier cricket stadium known as "The Bullring" - was the 2003 World Cup final against India which they won by 125 runs.

That final featured one of Martyn's finest innings, a run-a-ball 88 not out scored with a broken thumb as he and Ricky Ponting shared a record unbroken stand of 234 for the third wicket.

"The broken thumb story gets bigger and bigger every year," Martyn joked. "But it was more of a mental fight to get through and I was lucky enough to get runs and we won the game.

"Just to walk out there again today was special. The last time I was out in the middle we were all celebrating and singing the team song."

South Africa have picked their 12-man squad for Friday's tour opener. One of the players called up after the unsuccessful Australian tour, batsman Justin Ontong, was released back to his province, according to team media spokesman Gerald de Kock.

That means Neil McKenzie, Roger Telemachus and Robin Peterson, all recalled after lengthy absences, and new caps Loots Bosman and Thandi Tshabalala will feature on Friday night.

Tshabalala, a 21-year-old off-spinner, and left-armer Peterson, who last played for South Africa on their tour of India last year, are in the squad due to the absence of Johan Botha, who is suspended for throwing.