Post by Auburn Mariner on Dec 8, 2006 14:14:57 GMT 10
From SMH Online:
Ashes shock: Martyn quits
Damien Martyn has today announced his retirement from all international and domestic cricket amid intense speculation over his place in Australia's Ashes team.
It's understood Martyn made his decision to quit after being left out of the squad for the third Ashes Test, which starts in Perth on Thursday.
Cricket Australia is yet to announce that squad.
The 35-year-old Martyn was under pressure to retain his place for the third Test after scoring just 35 runs in his three innings this Ashes series.
Martyn entered the Ashes series in fine form, having been the leading run-scorer for Australia in the Champions Trophy in India, and being named man-of-the-match twice, but has failed to fire in Australia.
Martyn had been expected to be selected for the third Ashes Test in Perth after all-rounder Shane Watson was ruled to be unfit to play.
It was understood Martyn was to have lost his spot, with Michael Clarke moving from the nuumber six batting spot to Martyn's four, until Watson failed a fitness test this week.
Martyn notified Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland of his decision this morning which will be effective immediately.
Commenting on his decision Martyn said: "I would like to advise of my retirement from cricket, effective from today. I do so with a deep awareness of the opportunities that the game and Cricket Australia have provided for me.
"However, I'm also aware of the tremendous challenges facing Australian cricket including this current Ashes series. Such challenges require people who are more than 100 per cent committed, dedicated, disciplined and passionate about the game, what it seeks to achieve and how those involved in the game can best serve cricket, sport and the wider community.
"I feel, therefore, its time for me to move aside. I have enjoyed everything the game has given me. I have gained from it more then I could have ever imagined. I have made, in the playing of cricket, lifelong friends.
"In particular, I want to thank the Australian captain, Ricky Ponting and all members of the current Australian Test and one-day sides. They have always been utterly supportive, totally professional and completely committed to all that their responsibilities require of them.
"I said to myself when I made this decision in the last 48 hours that I may lose friends in doing what I'm doing. But I also said to myself that if I stayed doing what I was doing I may equally lose respect for myself and the friendship of those around me who are entitled to expect from me more than 100 per cent."
As a massive Martyn fan, I have nothing but exquisite memories of one of the purest batsmen I have ever seen. His six centuries in 2004 (4 on the sub-continent) were all magnificent, and I will always remember with great fondness his cover driving and cutting.
I think his decision is unselfish and will benefit Australia & Western Australia in the long run.
D R Martyn, 4406 Test runs at 46.37, HS: 165, against NZ at the Basin Reserve, Wellington.
First Class, 14630 runs at 49.25, HS: 238.
I will miss watching him more than most players in my lifetime. He was tremendously gifted, and always wore the baggy green with pride.
Yours in cricket,
AM
Ashes shock: Martyn quits
Damien Martyn has today announced his retirement from all international and domestic cricket amid intense speculation over his place in Australia's Ashes team.
It's understood Martyn made his decision to quit after being left out of the squad for the third Ashes Test, which starts in Perth on Thursday.
Cricket Australia is yet to announce that squad.
The 35-year-old Martyn was under pressure to retain his place for the third Test after scoring just 35 runs in his three innings this Ashes series.
Martyn entered the Ashes series in fine form, having been the leading run-scorer for Australia in the Champions Trophy in India, and being named man-of-the-match twice, but has failed to fire in Australia.
Martyn had been expected to be selected for the third Ashes Test in Perth after all-rounder Shane Watson was ruled to be unfit to play.
It was understood Martyn was to have lost his spot, with Michael Clarke moving from the nuumber six batting spot to Martyn's four, until Watson failed a fitness test this week.
Martyn notified Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland of his decision this morning which will be effective immediately.
Commenting on his decision Martyn said: "I would like to advise of my retirement from cricket, effective from today. I do so with a deep awareness of the opportunities that the game and Cricket Australia have provided for me.
"However, I'm also aware of the tremendous challenges facing Australian cricket including this current Ashes series. Such challenges require people who are more than 100 per cent committed, dedicated, disciplined and passionate about the game, what it seeks to achieve and how those involved in the game can best serve cricket, sport and the wider community.
"I feel, therefore, its time for me to move aside. I have enjoyed everything the game has given me. I have gained from it more then I could have ever imagined. I have made, in the playing of cricket, lifelong friends.
"In particular, I want to thank the Australian captain, Ricky Ponting and all members of the current Australian Test and one-day sides. They have always been utterly supportive, totally professional and completely committed to all that their responsibilities require of them.
"I said to myself when I made this decision in the last 48 hours that I may lose friends in doing what I'm doing. But I also said to myself that if I stayed doing what I was doing I may equally lose respect for myself and the friendship of those around me who are entitled to expect from me more than 100 per cent."
As a massive Martyn fan, I have nothing but exquisite memories of one of the purest batsmen I have ever seen. His six centuries in 2004 (4 on the sub-continent) were all magnificent, and I will always remember with great fondness his cover driving and cutting.
I think his decision is unselfish and will benefit Australia & Western Australia in the long run.
D R Martyn, 4406 Test runs at 46.37, HS: 165, against NZ at the Basin Reserve, Wellington.
First Class, 14630 runs at 49.25, HS: 238.
I will miss watching him more than most players in my lifetime. He was tremendously gifted, and always wore the baggy green with pride.
Yours in cricket,
AM