There is nothing wrong with his eyesight but Chris Martin can't quite make out whether there is a `Stop sign' at the end of his run up.
The New Zealand fast bowler enters his 57th cricket test here tomorrow unsure how long he will continue to pound the pavement in service to his country.
A loyal servant of captains Stephen Fleming then Daniel Vettori since 2000, Martin turns 36 next month and knows either he or someone else will have to make a decision on his future some time soon.
He is undecided one way or another, saying his longevity is due to his continuing enjoyment of the game.
However, another season similar to the last is sure to tip him towards retirement.
"Last year wasn't a great year and I didn't enjoy it," Martin said of the 2009-10 summer at home where six tests against Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia rewarded him with just 14 wickets at an unacceptable average of 54.78.
"I don't know whether it is cyclicle or just something you have to put up with as you get a little older," Martin said.
"My goal this year is to have a good year and perhaps go out under my terms or get talked into another year.
"I have no firm feeling on whether I'll keep on playing, I think it's totally to do with enjoyment and enjoyment comes from doing well."
Vettori will be hoping Martin hangs in there for a while yet, with the Cantabrian just 19 wickets short of becoming the fourth New Zealander after Sir Richard Hadlee, Vettori himself and Chris Cairns to capture 200 test wickets.
Martin is by far the most experienced seam bowler at Vettori's disposal in India, with rookies Hamish Bennett and Andy McKay yet to play a test, while Tim Southee has nine test caps to his name and Brent Arnell one.
Martin's presence is subsequently crucial on two fronts -- out on the field where his know how is valued, and in the team room where his knowledge can be passed on to the next generation.
Martin is excited at the emergence of Bennett as a genuine quick bowler with attitude.
The 23-year-old is set to earn his first cap against the world No 1 Indians tomorrow, and Martin is sure to be in his ear full of encouragement.
"He is bowling with some good heat at the moment and the ball is getting down the other end a lot quicker than I've seen from him in the past.
"This (test) will be one of the bigger challenges he faces but even for someone like me who has played 50 tests it will be just as hard."
NZPA
