Ex-England footballer called up to international squad in different sport – but reveals why he’s currently banned

Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn has been called up to represent his country… in senior cricket.

Martyn, who made 23 appearances for the Three Lions from 1992 to 2002, is now going to be playing international cricket for the England over-60s Lions.

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Only 12 men have played for the nation in both football and cricket, with the most recent being Arthur Milton 68 years ago.

And speaking about his late-blooming cricket career, former Leeds, Everton and Crystal Palace keeper Martyn shared with talkSPORT’s Hawksbee and Jacobs how he got the call-up.

“I live in Yorkshire and I play cricket for Cornwall over-50s, so a home game for me is an 800-mile round trip,” he explained.

“And your county recommends you, so because I’m turning 60 this summer, I got recommended for the over-60s and I went down to Loughborough along with everyone else.

“From that, I’ve been picked for the England squad.”

Martyn remains a ‘keeper’ on the cricket field, just as he did on a football pitch, playing as a wicket-keeper.

The crossover works for the 59-year-old, as his reactions and diving skills as a footballer come into good use behind the stumps.

“There’s a lot more pressure on the thighs and lower back, that’s for sure,” 6ft 2in Martyn joked when asked if his height makes things difficult for him.

“You’ve just got to stay down a little longer I think, if you’re taller.”

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‘I’m not eligible’

Martyn may have received a call-up to the England over-60s cricket squad, but a full international cap won’t be coming yet.

He’s going to have to wait until his birthday to feature…

“I’m not eligible to play for the over-60s until I turn 60, which is in August,” the former Premier League goalkeeper admitted.

“So they’ve got the Lions team, which is a development team and pathway team to get into the full national side.”

It means that after being in the England squad for two football World Cups, he’s going to miss the upcoming over-60s cricket World Cup, which takes place this summer.

“No [I won’t make it],” he said. “My birthday’s right near the start of the tournament, so I don’t know if you have to be 60 as it starts or if it can happen through… but I’ll wait and see.”

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When did Martyn start playing cricket?

Although Martyn is only now starting an international cricket career at 59, he’s always been an avid player.

He was unable to take to the field whilst being a professional footballer, but he played a lot as a youngster.

“I wasn’t allowed to [play cricket as a footballer],” he said.

“I played a lot of schools cricket and then for five or six years, I played men’s cricket down in Cornwall.

“Interestingly, my captain of my over 50s team in Cornwall was my under 15s captain for Cornwall when we were coming through!”

And now, as he returns to the game following retirement from football, Martyn will be representing England very soon.