Clarke's blazing form may have added to pressure on Martyn

Sydney, Dec 11 (UNI) A lean run with the bat coupled with Michael Clarke's return to form are being seen as the factors which might have contributed to Damien Martyn's sudden retirement.

However, Clarke is hoping that his success -- after being picked to replace injured all-rounder Shane Watson -- was not the reason behind his 'greatest mate's' decision to bid adieu to international cricket.

''I haven't really looked at it like that. I hope it's not my fault,'' Clarke told 'The Australian' ''Marto made that decision because he did what he thought was best,'' he added as he expressed his shock at Martyn's retirement.

Martyn was under severe pressure to retain his place in the side following ordinary performances in the first two Tests and Clarke's good show with the bat added to it.

However, Clarke said he did not consider himself a replacement for Martyn at this stage and is hoping that the relationship between the two would remain the same after the stylish right-hander's retirement.

''Now this gives us the chance to continue our friendship outside cricket, I guess,'' he said.

''He's a great mate of mine and I'm not going to get the chance to play international cricket with him any more. I'm the first guy to congratulate Marto on every single thing that he has achieved.

He's helped me a lot. He's a very close mate,'' he added.

Clarke said he was saddened at missing out the chance to play with his friend as it was Martyn who helped him cope with the pressures of international cricket.

''That's the disappointing thing for me -- not being able to play cricket with him any more. He's been a good friend since I've come into international cricket and we'll continue to be great mates,'' he said.

''To have guys like that in your team, as a young fellow, certainly made my life a lot easier. Marto never got too tense. A lot of the time, when I start my innings, I'm really nervous,'' Clarke explained.

Clarke said until he heard of the Martyn's decision he had no inkling as to what was going on in the veteran's mind.

''It was unbelievable -- I had no idea. I thought -- especially with Marto, because we are close mates -- that I would have had some idea. We partied in the (Adelaide) change rooms together and went back to the hotel. Nothing at all. We were just celebrating our (second Test) win,'' he recalled.

''And that's a compliment to Marto. He never let how he felt personally affect the team. He never let it affect our celebrations.

We were celebrating together as a team.

It would have been on his mind, I'm certain, but he never let it affect anybody else,'' he added as he praised the reclusive right-hander.

The 25-year-old said he is in touch with Martyn through text messages.

''The message I sent Marto was congratulations on everything he's achieved and done for the greatest game in the world. I just reminded him there was a picture of Damien Martyn on my bedroom wall and I'm expecting his son or daughter to have one of me there one day,'' he revealed.

''He just said thank you and wished me all the best for this Test,'' he added.

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