Damien Martyn belongs to a vanishing breed of batsmen who grace the cricket field. His retirement leaves the mantle of that breed entirely to VVS Laxman, the last of those artistry batsmen who are a sheer delight to watch. However much I admire Sachin Tendulkar, I can't put him in the same category of these two batsmen. Other players that belong to this category during the period i have watched cricket (post 1980) are Mohd. Azharuddin, Mark Waugh. Earlier era gave us among others, GR Viswanath.
To be so talented, as Damien was, and sit out for 6 years during the prime of your physical fitness due to a so called rash shot (that is claimed to have to have led to the defeat) and make an amazing comeback, is really a legend in the making. To top it all, just when you have an opportunity to make amends to the bad form in front of the home crowd, with the Aussie team well placed in the series, Damien decided that he should call it a day.
I am more than impressed with his actions. More than anything else, in these days of media hyped recalls of retired greats, the manner with which CA and others responded to it is simply amazing.
Goodbye and Goodluck, Damien. Have a great life.
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