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His practice was limited, and with no formal assignments, Martyn trusted his instinct more than mechanics. Now the 36-year-old Aussie, a veteran of 67 Tests and 208 ODIs, is entering a new territory in form of Indian Cricket League.
Martyn, who landed in Chandigarh on Monday, spoke on various topics.
Excerpts.
* There has been no news of you since you retired from international cricket. Where have you been? And how difficult was it for you to stay away from cricket?
I was in Australia itself, enjoying my time out there in the country side. My wife Annika McNamara is a professionarl horserider, and we own a horse farm near Perth. I was quite busy at the farm (laughs). I guess I have learnt something about horseriding in year or so, and it has certainly helped me in retaining my fitness level. I missed cricket, and so I am back again to play competitive cricket in the Indian Cricket League.
* A lot of Australian players have joined the Indian Premier League. Do you regret not having been part of the Indian Premier League?
No, not at all. It is one's individual choice, and it was my own decision to join the Indian Cricket League. I will be a part of the Ahmedabad Rockets team, which for me will be the priority in the coming season. Jason Gilespie will be on my side, and I am looking forward to playing with him. We will also benefit from the experience of our coach John Emburey.
* Your decision about retirement back in the Ashes series took almost everyone by surprise. After that, Australia has seen players like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Justin Langer retire. Now Adam Gilchrist will retire after the tri-series final. What is your take on the right time for a player to retire?
I guess it depends on the player himself - he knows the best when to retire. I took the decision on instinct. I enjoyed playing for Australia and still remember being part of a wonderful team which consisted of the likes of Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer. Gilly has been a great cricketer, and I guess his decision too was based on instinct.
* Many controversies have surrounded the current tri-series between India and Australia. What do you think of these recent controversies?
I don't know much about the controversy, as I have not been following cricket over the past few months. Yet I feel that sledging is a part of the game, and it should only remain on the field, rather than going off the field. Players from almost every country indulge in sledging. I guess, if it is done with within a limit, it is pretty okay.
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