Damien Martyn vs. VVS Laxman

vcs · 20-04-2010, 05:53 PM

Thought I might start one of these batsman comparison threads as well.

Both batsmen are an absolute joy to watch. Aesthetically, I struggle to separate the two, but I think I'll just lean towards Martyn, his compact back-foot play (you can tell he played his domestic cricket at Perth) just clinching it for me. However, I'd rather have Laxman come into bat for me if my team's in a spot of bother. Both genius stroke-makers, both played so many innings of value that aren't necessarily reflected in their statistics. Laxman will always be remembered for the 281 and the other great innings against several Aussie attacks. Damien Martyn's biggest contribution to Aussie glory came, strangely enough, in the subcontinent, for one who hadn't been known for his exploits against spin.

Who would you rate better, aesthetically and as a batsman? Discuss.

Anil · 20-04-2010, 06:03 PM

laxman, but it is a tossup and a highly subjective one at that...

Riggins · 20-04-2010, 10:49 PM

martyn, but i am more than a little bit biased.

Xuhaib · 20-04-2010, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anil

, but it is a tossup and a highly subjective one at that...

.

Jono · 21-04-2010, 12:31 AM

I have no idea with regards to tests.

Maybe Laxman for longevity? Not sure. Both class acts.

Martyn everyday of the week in ODIs though.

Zinzan · 21-04-2010, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riggins

martyn, but i am more than a little bit biased.

Think it's perfectly natural to lend towards a player from your home nation when players are as closely matched as these two- even if it is a sub-conscious thing - which is why I've always been a fan of an option for 'Indian fans', 'Australian fans' & 'neutral' fan is such a poll

Anyways, for me, Damien Martyn by a moles whisker

benchmark00 · 21-04-2010, 01:39 AM

Laxman probably a better batsman overall, prefered the look of Martyn's play though.

Debris · 21-04-2010, 02:04 AM

Laxman for me. There was something about Martyn's batting style I just didn't like. Just a personal taste.

GuyFromLancs · 21-04-2010, 02:21 AM

It's difficult. I think Martyn's superior average and better ODI record reflect that he was the more powerful strokemaker and powerful players are able to buy runs when out of form. Although, Martyn's fall out of form was about the most epic I've seen for a batsman of his talent in the end.

Both wonderful to watch, I'd take Laxman for his ability against spin and that beautiful 281, which is perhaps the greatest innings i've seen.

Ikki · 21-04-2010, 02:29 AM

I take Martyn for being slightly more reliable than Laxman. Although on the other hand Laxman had heights Martyn probably just fell short of.

An interesting stat is how few 100s Laxman has relative to how many innings he has over Martyn. Martyn has only 2 less centuries even though he played some 43 less Tests.

Nnanden · 21-04-2010, 02:45 AM

If it's across all forms, it's a no-brainer imo.

honestbharani · 21-04-2010, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benchmark00

Laxman probably a better batsman overall, prefered the look of Martyn's play though.

This.

Jono · 21-04-2010, 04:29 AM

Both suck IPL, but Laxman better.

Important point of course

Jono · 21-04-2010, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikki

I take Martyn for being slightly more reliable than Laxman. Although on the other hand Laxman had heights Martyn probably just fell short of.

An interesting stat is how few 100s Laxman has relative to how many innings he has over Martyn. Martyn has only 2 less centuries even though he played some 43 less Tests.

Where did Martyn bat majority of his career, out of curiosity?

Uppercut · 21-04-2010, 04:35 AM

VVS for me. Martyn is a player who my opinion of is affected quite heavily by where I live. He rarely succeeded in tests when I was looking.

View Poll Results: Who was the better batsman?
Damien Martyn	11	31.43%
VVS Laxman	24	68.57%
Voters: 35. You may not vote on this poll

20-04-2010, 05:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
vcs International Coach Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: India Posts: 10,305	Damien Martyn vs. VVS Laxman Thought I might start one of these batsman comparison threads as well. Both batsmen are an absolute joy to watch. Aesthetically, I struggle to separate the two, but I think I'll just lean towards Martyn, his compact back-foot play (you can tell he played his domestic cricket at Perth) just clinching it for me. However, I'd rather have Laxman come into bat for me if my team's in a spot of bother. Both genius stroke-makers, both played so many innings of value that aren't necessarily reflected in their statistics. Laxman will always be remembered for the 281 and the other great innings against several Aussie attacks. Damien Martyn's biggest contribution to Aussie glory came, strangely enough, in the subcontinent, for one who hadn't been known for his exploits against spin. Who would you rate better, aesthetically and as a batsman? Discuss.

21-04-2010, 02:21 AM	#9 (permalink)
GuyFromLancs U19 Debutant Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Lancashire Posts: 327	It's difficult. I think Martyn's superior average and better ODI record reflect that he was the more powerful strokemaker and powerful players are able to buy runs when out of form. Although, Martyn's fall out of form was about the most epic I've seen for a batsman of his talent in the end. Both wonderful to watch, I'd take Laxman for his ability against spin and that beautiful 281, which is perhaps the greatest innings i've seen. __________________ Keeping it real

21-04-2010, 02:29 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ikki International Coach Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Death Queen Island Posts: 12,053	I take Martyn for being slightly more reliable than Laxman. Although on the other hand Laxman had heights Martyn probably just fell short of. An interesting stat is how few 100s Laxman has relative to how many innings he has over Martyn. Martyn has only 2 less centuries even though he played some 43 less Tests. __________________ I think there'll sooner be another Bradman than another Warne. - Gidgeon Haigh [Warne is] the greatest bowler ever produced in this entire world - Muttiah Muralidaran [Warne is] the greatest bowler of all time - Glenn McGrath In my opinion Shane Warne is the greatest cricketer who's ever lived - Ian Botham Warne is the greatest cricketer to pick up a ball ever. And is the greatest bowler I have ever laid eyes on. - Brian Lara Last edited by Ikki; 21-04-2010 at 02:31 AM.

21-04-2010, 02:45 AM	#11 (permalink)
Nnanden You'll Never Walk Alone Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New South Wales Posts: 26,190	If it's across all forms, it's a no-brainer imo. __________________ Jesus saves proudly supporting Liverpool FC

20-04-2010, 10:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Riggins State Vice-Captain Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 1,382	martyn, but i am more than a little bit biased.

21-04-2010, 12:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
Jono Request Your Custom Title Now! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Virat Kohli Posts: 47,555	I have no idea with regards to tests. Maybe Laxman for longevity? Not sure. Both class acts. Martyn everyday of the week in ODIs though.

21-04-2010, 02:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
Debris State Vice-Captain Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: sydney Posts: 1,259	Laxman for me. There was something about Martyn's batting style I just didn't like. Just a personal taste.

21-04-2010, 04:29 AM	#13 (permalink)
Jono Request Your Custom Title Now! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Virat Kohli Posts: 47,555	Both suck IPL, but Laxman better. Important point of course

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