---
title: "Nigel Martyn: From Football Gloves to Cricket Pads"
description: "Ex-England goalkeeper eyes rare 'dual international' status with cricket call-up."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ex-goalkeeper-martyn-savours-england-cricket-call-mp12s1ze
published: 2026-05-11T10:12:03+00:00
updated: 2026-05-13T03:24:21.434+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["cricket"]
---

# Nigel Martyn: From Football Gloves to Cricket Pads

> Ex-England goalkeeper eyes rare 'dual international' status with cricket call-up.

Nigel Martyn, the former England football goalkeeper, is exploring a new career in cricket with the aim of becoming a 'dual international'.

The 56-year-old, who earned 23 caps for England in football, has received a call-up to the England cricket squad for a veterans' match.

This move places him in rare company alongside athletes who have represented England in two different sports.

Martyn's football career spanned over two decades, with notable stints at Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Everton.

Now retired from football, he has been training with local cricket clubs and impressing selectors with his bowling and fielding skills.

The call-up is for a friendly fixture, but Martyn has expressed serious intent to pursue competitive cricket.

The concept of a 'dual international' is exceptionally rare in English sport.

Only a handful of individuals, such as C.B.

Fry (football and cricket) and Denis Compton (football and cricket), have achieved this feat.

Martyn's potential transition highlights the versatility of elite athletes and the growing trend of multi-sport careers.

What's next: Martyn will debut for the England veterans' cricket team next month, with hopes of progressing to higher levels of the game.

## Why this matters

Nigel Martyn's potential cricket career is a fascinating example of athletes exploring new sports and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. It challenges the notion that elite performers are limited to one discipline and underscores the adaptability of top-tier talent. If successful, Martyn would join an exclusive club of English dual internationals, inspiring future generations to pursue multi-sport excellence.

## Frequently asked

### Who is Nigel Martyn?

Nigel Martyn is a former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for England, Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Everton. He earned 23 caps for England between 1992 and 2002.

### What is a 'dual international'?

A 'dual international' is an athlete who has represented their country at the senior level in two different sports. In England, this is rare, with notable examples including C.B. Fry and Denis Compton.

### How did Martyn get into cricket?

After retiring from football, Martyn took up cricket recreationally. His performances in local leagues caught the attention of England veterans' selectors, leading to his call-up.

### When will Martyn play for England in cricket?

Martyn is set to debut for the England veterans' cricket team next month in a friendly match. Further competitive opportunities depend on his performance.

## Sources & Citations

- [Ex-goalkeeper Martyn savours England cricket call](https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/czd2335v1rmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Cricket (2026-05-11)

---

Cite: Nigel Martyn: From Football Gloves to Cricket Pads. Sportopod, 2026-05-11. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ex-goalkeeper-martyn-savours-england-cricket-call-mp12s1ze