Sehwag hardly respects a decent ball: Martin

Hamilton (New Zealand), Mar 20: New Zealand fast bowler Chris Martin is of the view that except for Indian opener Virender Sehwag, most batters respect a decent ball when it is delivered to them.

"Bowling to the likes of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar was not as daunting. Most of the players will respect a decent ball apart from Sehwag," a smiling Martin said.

Martin, who has played 46 Tests for New Zealand, is featuring in his first series against India.

His temporary fall from grace after taking six relatively expensive wickets in Brisbane and Adelaide last November-and reinstatement after missing the home series against the West Indies, has ensured all eyes would be on the 34-year-old.

Included in the initial 13-man squad for the Hamilton test after lobbying by skipper Daniel Vettori, Martin bowled tidily on Wednesday to grab two wickets for 53 from 20 overs.

He had opener Gautam Gambhir caught behind for 72 and also struck with second new ball when Ross Taylor snapped up V V S Laxman (30) at first slip.

Considering that he has only taken three first class wickets at 113.66 since his demotion in NOvember, the laconic right armer was reasonably satisfied. This test is pretty big for me, I'm enjoying it so far," he said.

Martin was loathe to speculate on suggestions his recall was not universally acceptable to New Zealand cricket's selection panel. Martin said he was pleased to vindicate his leader's loyalty.

"Dan has always given me the ball at good times in the match to have a good crack at a pressure situation. It was good to give him some payback."

ANI