Wellington: New Zealand pace bowler Chris Martin became slowest player to reach 100 runs in Test cricket during last week’s first Test against Pakistan in Hamilton.
The 36-year-old veteran of 60 tests brought up his 100th Test run during the crushing 10-wicket defeat in Hamilton, a feat that arguably led to the biggest cheer from the home crowd.
He took almost twice as long as the previous slowest player to reach 100 runs in Test cricket, former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath, who reached the mark in his 32nd test, a website reports.
Martin’s batting exploits, or lack thereof, have already become the stuff of folklore in New Zealand cricket, as he averages a meagre 2.47.
Martin also achieved other milestone when he cleaned up Pakistan’s innings by taking the final wicket of Tanvir Ahmed; it was his 500th first-class scalp, achieved in his 162nd match.“It’s a nice one to achieve, not many New Zealand players in recent times have got to 500 wickets, although I know the all time list is surprisingly long,” Martin said.
Martin is now looking to cap the week with his 200th Test wicket, which would see him become just the fourth New Zealander to achieve the feat.
ANI
First Published: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 18:25