Cricket: Clarke won't get gyp from me - Martin

Chris Martin says he's served enough time on the boundaries to know that Michael Clarke can expect little mercy from spectators. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Chris Martin would have been prepared for questions about his form (reasonable), his record against Australia (modest) and New Zealand's test chances against Australia (hmmm).

But going in to bat for beleaguered Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke might not have been on the senior new ball man's mental list of what might be coming his way at question time at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

Class batsman Clarke had just returned from a hurried trip to Sydney and the subsequent bust-up with high-profile model fiancee Lara Bingle.

So how would Clarke be treated by the Zealand players? Any sly quips heading his way - "Where the bloody hell have you been?" and all that?

"He treats people he plays against with respect, and that should be the way he gets treated," Martin said. "That's pretty much how it works."

So no sledging, then?

"Not from me," Martin replied, which is a very smart answer when you think about it.

"He'll come back, play his game and enjoy his cricket. I don't think there's any more that can be said about that stuff."

Martin, 35, has copped his share of sprays from the Australian crowds during his nine years in the national team. He hinted that the New Zealand spectators might have a bit to say in Clarke's direction.

"But that's nothing to do with us either. I've stood on a few boundaries in Australia and been ripped to shreds.

"It's nothing new on either side of the Tasman. It's quite humorous and keeps you alive."

Taking wickets when the test starts on Friday will also put a spring in Martin's step.

He is well clear in fourth spot on New Zealand's all-time test wicket-taking list with 180 - fourth behind Sir Richard Hadlee (431), captain Dan Vettori (317) and Chris Cairns (218).

Of current players, the next best are James Franklin (80) and Daryl Tuffey (77) so he's got no one chasing him with any urgency.

Overall his test wickets have cost 33.78 apiece. Against Australia, the numbers make grim reading: 14 from eight tests at a whopping 74.14 each.

No wonder he has a respect for the Australians and their batting capabilities.

"They're very disciplined. They're quite willing to bat time and pretty much see you off. In past series against them, I've walked away thinking I'd bowled as well as I could without getting results."

In his four home tests this season, Martin has taken 15 wickets at 33. But he knows the Basin Reserve and Hamilton's Seddon Park are grounds where fast-medium bowlers can get assistance if they put the effort in.

"There may be a bit more pace and bounce than on most [pitches] we play on here," he said.

The key for New Zealand?

"You have to make sure you stay in the game five days, by being pretty strong and playing good cricket. It's a difficult challenge, but the more experience you get, the more you look forward to it."