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Martyn announces shock retirement
By Telegraph online and PA
GMT 08/12/2006
Damien Martyn today announced his retirement from all cricket - just three days after celebrating Australia's second Ashes Test victory in Adelaide.
The Western Australia batsman, who was under pressure for his place after compiling only 45 runs in three innings during the Ashes series, was expected to be named in Australia's squad today for next week's third Test at the WACA.
But just as the selectors were due to announce their squad, Martyn informed Cricket Australia's chief executive James Sutherland of his intention to retire instead.
Bowing out: Martyn played his final Test match in Adelaide
"I'm aware of the tremendous challenges facing Australian cricket, including the current Ashes series," said Martyn in a prepared statement.
"Such challenges require people who are more than 100% 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, it is time for me to move aside. I have enjoyed everything the game has given me - I have gained more from it than I could have ever imagined.
"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 around 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%."
Martyn played 46 Tests during his career, finishing with an average of 46.37, and played 208 one-day internationals for the world champions averaging 40.80.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting said: "The decision is obviously something he has thought long and hard about and I know that all of the other members of the team will miss him greatly.
"Damien is one of the world's most unsung players in both forms of the game and I don't think it's really understood how good a player he actually is."
-tazz
By Telegraph online and PA
GMT 08/12/2006
Damien Martyn today announced his retirement from all cricket - just three days after celebrating Australia's second Ashes Test victory in Adelaide.
The Western Australia batsman, who was under pressure for his place after compiling only 45 runs in three innings during the Ashes series, was expected to be named in Australia's squad today for next week's third Test at the WACA.
But just as the selectors were due to announce their squad, Martyn informed Cricket Australia's chief executive James Sutherland of his intention to retire instead.
Bowing out: Martyn played his final Test match in Adelaide
"I'm aware of the tremendous challenges facing Australian cricket, including the current Ashes series," said Martyn in a prepared statement.
"Such challenges require people who are more than 100% 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, it is time for me to move aside. I have enjoyed everything the game has given me - I have gained more from it than I could have ever imagined.
"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 around 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%."
Martyn played 46 Tests during his career, finishing with an average of 46.37, and played 208 one-day internationals for the world champions averaging 40.80.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting said: "The decision is obviously something he has thought long and hard about and I know that all of the other members of the team will miss him greatly.
"Damien is one of the world's most unsung players in both forms of the game and I don't think it's really understood how good a player he actually is."
-tazz
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