If there happens to be a feeling of spirit in the surrounding especially on a cricket field then the right candidate who seems to have such a characterisitic has to be Damien Martyn.When he is at the crease one hardly feeld he is out there. Such is his silent, sedate and serene presence.
Martyn has had a very topsy turvy career so far and recently ( 2 years back ) he has established himself in the star studded Aussie lineup. This has been possible only after the farewell to the junior Waugh. But then such turns has been deserving ones for his indifferent form and performances. He was almost crucified for one reckless shot against the Proteas way back in 1994 which cost the aussies the test. He was kept out of the side for fairly long time. The middle order was quite packed with the Waughs at 4&5 and Blewett and Punter grabbing the 3 & 6. Later Blewett was out of favour and it was then filled by Langer and untill Langer himself moved up at the top to fill in for Slater there was hadly any chance for Martyn. So around 2002, when Mark Waugh was dumped Martyn started to get regular look in. Obviously there was no doubt in his ability but a question mark remained on his temperament.
But the selectors persisted with him even after he started poorly but slowly he started to bloom. His class was quite evident with the offside strokes and the ease at which he played those. Also the fact that he was a better spin player along with Hayden in the side gave him a solid look at the crucial no.4 spot. Even the likes of Ponting and Langer have been found wanting against quality spin.
He played well in SA and NZ around 2002-2003 in both the versions and ofcourse extremly well against the Lankans. He got those crucial centuries in the emerald island which helped the Aussies thrash the Lankans 3-0. And later in the year came the much hyped 'Final Frontier' tour. The fact that the aussies were ready to stay the wicket, show patience was their secret when they changed 35 year old history. Indeed , 2001 team was far superior but their all out strategy was their undoing. But here the epitome of this new strategy was best displayed by Martyn. His knock in Chennai was something for which one gives a certificate. It was like a pure traditional test knowck. Concentration, shot selection, patience everything was perfect about it.This innings really stamped his profile for being a class player.
On the home soil he has been a decent and consistent performer. His contribution is indeed huge for the aussie juggernaut which is still rolling.
Also, he has been an excellent fielder especially in the outfield and very determined character. More than anything though he has become the mainstay of their batting with slide for Hayden and Ponting patchy at times. He turned out as the 2nd highest rungetter in 2004 and seems that will continue his good work for another 2-3 seasons.
And ofcourse he must have exorcised the ghosts of failures for himself more than for the Aussie team with tremendous showing in India.
