Former England football goalkeeper Nigel Martyn is set to represent his country once again, this time on the cricket field. At 59, Martyn has been selected to play for England’s over-60s cricket team, marking a notable return to the sport decades after his professional football career ended.

Martyn, who made 846 club appearances during his career with Leeds United, Everton, Crystal Palace, and Bristol Rovers, as well as earning caps for England in two World Cups, transitioned to cricket after retiring from football in 2006 due to a serious ankle injury. A native of St Austell, he was a promising young cricketer before turning professional in football and later resumed playing cricket competitively. His primary role on the cricket field is as a wicketkeeper, leveraging skills similar to his goalkeeping experience in football.

His love for cricket recently culminated in selection for the England over-60s team, managed by Paul Bradley, with Martyn scheduled to make his debut in a match against Scotland at Seaton Carew, County Durham. “He’ll be presented with a red cap for the match, and if he progresses to the first team, he’ll earn the blue cap and become a dual international,” Bradley said.

Martyn recalls a memorable moment from his cricket career when he hit a six in near-dark conditions to win a promotion-clinching game for Leeds Modernians in the Airedale & Wharfedale league. That achievement ranks alongside some of the most emotionally charged moments of his football career, including his involvement in England’s 2002 World Cup qualification. He was the goalkeeper who launched the ball leading to a foul that earned David Beckham a dramatic late free-kick securing England's place in the tournament. Though Martyn initially believed England needed to match another result to qualify and missed out on immediate celebration, the moment remains vivid in retrospect.

Since returning to cricket, Martyn has been noted for his dedication to fitness and competitive mindset, attributes that have spurred younger players at his clubs, including Knaresborough and more recently Scarcroft, where he relocated for new opportunities. He also plays for Cornwall's over-50s side, making weekly journeys to participate.

Martyn acknowledges the physical challenges of maintaining form at his age but says his passion remains undiminished. “These older gents could give blokes decades younger than them a run for their money,” he commented after his recent trial at Loughborough. Turning 60 in August, Martyn noted that while he won’t be competing in the upcoming over-60s World Cup in Canada, he hopes to participate in future tournaments, including the “Grey Ashes.”

Although not heavily recognized in cricket circles, Martyn occasionally encounters surprise among opponents when they learn of his football pedigree. He also values the camaraderie and spirit within seniors cricket, a growing but largely unsponsored and self-funded sector.

Bradley emphasized that selection for the England senior squads is based strictly on merit and not influenced by name recognition. Martyn’s commitment to the game and his fitness stands as a testament to the competitive nature of seniors cricket, highlighting a vibrant community of players devoted to the sport well beyond traditional retirement age.