Martin change of pace perfect

THEY say a change is as good as a holiday and a rejuvenated James Martin is using his new roles at Coomera Hope Island to drive their Kookaburra Cup finals quest.

Captain, committee member, top-order batsman and part-time wicketkeeper last season, Martin has started the 2019-20 campaign in style after taking a step back following the birth of his first child.

While the 32-year-old has reclaimed the gloves on a fulltime basis, a transfer of the captaincy to Ryan Soars, a move to the middle order and relinquishing of his committee duties have helped Martin wind back the clock.

After smashing 117 runs at 39 in the pre-season Twenty20 competition, the former Beenleigh-Logan first grader has piled on 193 runs at 48.25 in the season proper to guide the Crocs to fourth place.

Humbled by Helensvale Pacific Pines in Round 1, they have since strung together four wins and will have the chance to extend that run when they return from the bye to face Burleigh at Oz Strength Oval today.

“I took on probably too much last year,” Martin, now in his seventh season at Choice Homes Oval, said.

“I just didn’t have the time to give what that captaincy role requires (this season), I couldn’t give 100 per cent. Obviously there’s always distractions skippering and I’m wicketkeeping again so I’m just focusing on that and enjoying that.

“My cricket is going better with less responsibility. I hit my balls during the week and can just focus on myself a bit more. It’s nice to get the reward.

“They’ve slipped me down the order as well and I’ve been trying to go down for a few seasons but we haven’t had the players to allow it. Now we’ve got a pretty settled line up.”

Ninth in 2018-19, Coomera have not played finals since winning the 2014-15 premiership.

With their promising start to the season also featuring matchwinning performances from opener Benji Lee, allrounder Dane Hutchinson and legspinner Daniel Spiers, Martin said the early signs were positive they were headed in the right direction.

“Round 1 was horrible but we didn’t let that stick to us. The one-dayers have suited us, we’ve got a pretty aggressive side,” he said.

“We’re enjoying each other’s company but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. We were sitting pretty this time last year after knocking Burleigh off but didn’t go too well after Christmas.

“It’s more about the team these days and trying to win a comp … having a good time with the boys and getting the next gen of Crocs ready to go.”