Essex announced today that they’ve signed New Zealand pace bowler and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin as their overseas player for late April to early May, covering for spinner Danish Kaneria who’s involved in a domestic tournament in Pakistan during this period.
The 35-year-old right arm fast medium bowler is awaiting a visa but should be available for Essex’s match against Lancashire at Chelmsford beginning next Wednesday (April 21). Martin will be registered with the ECB for the minimum 21 day period so he’ll also be available for selection up to and including the Championship game against Yorkshire which starts on May 4.
An experienced cricketer who’s represented New Zealand in all forms of the game, Martin’s dogged bowling has seen him rise to fourth highest wicket taker in Kiwi history with 56 Tests to his name.
The 35-year-old right arm fast medium bowler is awaiting a visa but should be available for Essex’s match against Lancashire at Chelmsford beginning next Wednesday (April 21). Martin will be registered with the ECB for the minimum 21 day period so he’ll also be available for selection up to and including the Championship game against Yorkshire which starts on May 4.
An experienced cricketer who’s represented New Zealand in all forms of the game, Martin’s dogged bowling has seen him rise to fourth highest wicket taker in Kiwi history with 56 Tests to his name.
However, he’s renowned for his dreadful batting and it took him 36 Tests to reach double figures. CricInfo.com calls him “outrageously feeble with the bat” adding “Getting Martin out is as difficult as making a cup of tea and often takes less time.”
But Martin hasn’t been snapped up for his batting. Before the start of the season, experts were saying that Essex’s bowling attack could be the weak link in their bid for a successful return to the top flight of the County Championship.
But Martin hasn’t been snapped up for his batting. Before the start of the season, experts were saying that Essex’s bowling attack could be the weak link in their bid for a successful return to the top flight of the County Championship.
With Kaneria absent for much of the season, Essex do look a little lightweight with the ball - David Masters and Chris Wright need to step up this season and prove that they can cut it at the highest level of the county game.
With the likes of Daniel Vettori and Yusuf Pathan previously being touted as overseas signings, Martin might not seem the most illustrious recruitment but his reliance on accuracy and seam movement may suit conditions in England. His ability to craft a catchy, heartfelt tune is thought to have been a major factor in the club's decision to sign him, with Essex keen to keep morale high in the dressing room in the wake of spot betting allegations against two players.
With the likes of Daniel Vettori and Yusuf Pathan previously being touted as overseas signings, Martin might not seem the most illustrious recruitment but his reliance on accuracy and seam movement may suit conditions in England. His ability to craft a catchy, heartfelt tune is thought to have been a major factor in the club's decision to sign him, with Essex keen to keep morale high in the dressing room in the wake of spot betting allegations against two players.
It is unknown whether Chris Martin intends to work on new material for his band Coldplay while in the UK. Sources close to Martin says he wants to concentrate on cricket and not get "bogged down" with songwriting.
Meanwhile, with the decision on Essex’s proposed ground development at Chelmsford deferred until June because of the general election, it seems the county have been looking at the possibility of using the Olympic Stadium in Stratford as a venue for Twenty20 matches.
The East London stadium could be one of Essex’s festival grounds (like Southend and Colchester) and it’s thought matches would generate a lot of interest in an area otherwise lacking in first class cricket. With talk in the air once again of a possible English city franchise Twenty20 competition, the Olympic Stadium might also provide a suitable setting for such a competition were Essex to be involved.
Essex began their second championship match against Durham at the Riverside, buoyed by their dramatic win against Hampshire but facing the reigning two-time champions.
*Warning: This blog contains blatant untruths.
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