Cricket: Martin to stick with what works

Chris Martin of New Zealand in action during day three of the International Tour Match between Australia A and New Zealand at Allan Border Field on November 26. Photo / Getty

Do what works best; that's New Zealand's senior seamer Chris Martin's philosophy going into the first test against Australia in Brisbane.

He's not talking about issues of delivery style, or tactics; more about what's going on up top.

Australian cricketers have never been noted for being backward in coming forward when it comes to offering free advice to opponents. New Zealand have players for whom that attitude works too.

But Martin, preparing for his 63rd test and with 202 test wickets over 11 years at the top, reckons go with what suits each individual. Those with a touch of mongrel in them should use that to their advantage, but it's not something which can be forced on players.

Do get stuck in ''if it's your personality to provide that", he said.

''If you've got your own way of doing things, it's best to stick with that. It's more to do with attitude, keeping the shoulders back and basically try to enjoy the game.

''Lots of guys enjoy a confrontation. That's what gets them going.

''Others like to do it in a consistent, well mannered way. I suppose everyone's got their own kicks and what gets them going."

Martin has had success at Brisbane's Gabba ground.

His two tests there, in 2004 and 2008, have produced nine wickets at 29.22. Overall his test bowling average is 34.94.

He knows a bit about bowling there and enjoys the venue, where the pitch is hard, and help is on offer to the faster bowlers who are smart and don't get over-excited by the sight of green grass and a bouncy track.

''In most tests these days you do get a result.

''If it's cloudy I'm hoping the ball will swing, and it's good for entertaining cricket in general," he said.

''If it does a little bit over the first few days we'll get a result.

''It's a matter of thinking good thoughts, turning up with the right, consistent routines and attitudes, and going out and performing against a tough team in tough conditions."

One of New Zealand's two test wins in Australia came at Brisbane, in 1985, when Richard Hadlee snared 15 wickets and Martin Crowe and John Reid scored centuries to set up an innings victory.

Three years later the West Indies flogged Australia by nine wickets. Since then Australia have won 16 and drawn six of the 22 tests played in Brisbane.

It is cricket's most formidable home ground advantage and experienced Australian batsman Mike Hussey has a theory on how that has come about.

''All guys get very excited for start of the Australian summer, which is always in Brisbane," he said.

''We really enjoy playing in fast, bouncy conditions and adapt to those conditions well.

''For teams from around the world it does take a bit of time after playing on slower pitches.

''I always found it tough after a county season and playing on slower pitches in England. It took me quite a period of time to get back to the quicker conditions. That's one reason why we have had an advantage over other international teams here."

New Zealand's batsmen can expect a decent examination at the Gabba from Australia's inexperienced but lively and enthusiastic seamers, although captain Ross Taylor said there is confidence among the group, after all of the top six batsmen scored centuries in their last two first-class games, including against Australia A in Brisbane last week.