Martyn announces retirement

Australian middle-order batsman Damien Martyn has announced an immediate retirement from all forms of international cricket ahead of the third Ashes test in Perth next week. Martyn has played 67 tests and 208 ODIs for Australia, and has been around the international side for over a decade since his debut against the West Indies in 1992.

The period prior to the 2005 Ashes was the most successful of Martyn’s career, as he excelled on the turning wickets of the subcontinent with four centuries in seven tests and followed it up with strong series against Pakistan and New Zealand at home. He struggled in the 2005 Ashes however, and while his axing after the series was viewed as harsh it was not a major surprise. He was recalled for the tour of South Africa in early 2006 and struck a match-winning century in the final test of that series. He also had a good run in the recent Champions Trophy, but has otherwise struggled for form in the last 18 months and was rumoured to be close to losing his place again.

Martyn has fought his way back into the team a number of times in the past, most notably after being dropped for an irresponsible dismissal in January 1994 against South Africa. However, at 35 years of age Martyn’s consistency was waning, and an immediate retirement allows him to leave the game at a time of his own choosing. It also opens the door for some fringe players to regain a place in the Australian test side, including all-rounder Shane Watson and Victorian batsman Brad Hodge.

Speaking to the media about his retirement, Martyn thanked Australian cricket for the opportunities he had been given, and his teammates and captain Ricky Ponting for their friendship and support. He suggested that it was a waning passion and enthusiasm for game that provoked his retirement, saying that Australian cricket required “people who are more than 100 per cent committed, dedicated, disciplined and passionate about the game”. His retirement also includes all forms of domestic cricket, and he will not represent Western Australia again.