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Slater goes in to bat for Martyn

Source: Herald Sun - September 22, 2005

FORMER Australian batsman Michael Slater has cast serious doubt over the omission of Damien Martyn from the Test squad for next month's Johnnie Walker Super Series.

Slater is shocked at Martyn's dropping and says there is more to his exclusion for the Test against a World XI at the SCG.

"I think something else has gone on, and that could include a falling out with key people within team ranks," Slater said last night. "I wonder if something dramatic has happened in the dressingroom because a lack of form just doesn't wash with me."

Slater says Martyn was on the wrong end of bad umpiring decisions in England and deserved another opportunity.

"I knew heads had to roll, but I didn't think Marto would be the first to get the axe," he said.

"I would have thought Matthew Hayden should have been the first casualty as he's struggled on and off the field for the past year."

Another commentator, Dean Jones, agrees Hayden should be on notice, but wasn't surprised with Martyn's omission.

"Somebody had to get the chop for losing against the Poms," Jones said.

"Martyn has had 12 years at the top level and has had countless opportunities to cement his spot."

Jones and Slater are split on who should play at the SCG, with Brad Hodge perhaps fighting for a spot with Simon Katich. If selectors opt for all-rounder Shane Watson and Stuart MacGill, there won't be room for Katich and Hodge.

"I would play Katich because he showed in England. He's prepared to fight and scrap," Slater said.

But Jones says Hodge deserves a chance to impress at the top level after a lengthy apprenticeship.

"If ever a bloke deserved a baggy green, it's Brad Hodge," Jones said.

The pair, though, are united in a push to blood Brad Haddin and to allow Adam Gilchrist a break from behind the stumps.

"Gilly is exhausted and needs a six to seven-month breather, and Haddin is the obvious choice to fill the void in the one-day squad," Jones said.

Slater agreed the workload for Gilchrist had taken a heavy toll in recent months.

"He looked tired and his glovework was missing during the Ashes," Slater said.

Haddin returns home tomorrow from the Australian A tour of Pakistan after breaking a finger during a four-day game this week. He is likely to be out of action for six weeks.