But the newly-minted Otago Volts convener of selectors is promising few surprises of his own this summer.
It is not his role to vociferously debate the merits of certain players or to strenuously press his opinion during selection meetings. He will chip in during the discussions, of course.
But the former Otago halfback's job is to set the agenda and make sure the process is followed.
On that score, Martin, who is better known for his rugby knowledge than cricket nous, is thoroughly qualified. He has a long background in high performance sport.
He coached Otago from 2007 to 2009 before moving into an administration role with rugby league.
''I think it is important to understand the role of the convener,'' Martin said.
''It is clearly about facilitating the process as opposed to being the expert on cricket.
''It is the independent selector who will provide that real cricket insight which is Warren's [McSkimming] role.''
McSkimming is a former Otago medium pacer and joins head coach Rob Walter on the three-man selection panel.
The changes to the selection panel were made following a post-season review. The report recommended appointing two selectors who were independent of the team.
Martin applied for the role because he felt he could help make a difference and he wanted to contribute to Otago cricket.
It is a part-time role and Martin will continue in his fulltime job as New Zealand Rugby League Southern Zone general manager.
''The expectation is that I will get to as many games as I am able to.
''A lot of the one-dayers and twenty20s happen during the holiday period ... and working close by down at Logan Park makes life easier to attend those other games.
''But, obviously, the key person in the selection process is the coach and the information he is able to bring about how the team in performing.''
While Martin does not claim to be a cricket authority, he is a keen observer and has followed the team's progress closely throughout the years.
He got involved in the sport through his daughter Katey Martin, who has forged an impressive provincial and solid international career.
''Like anything I've done in sport and in my life, it is about the opportunity to make a difference - to utilise the skills that you've accumulated which I've done in two key sports.
''I've also contributed in cricket [as manager of the Sparks]. It has always been, for me, whether I can offer something and whether that can make a difference.
''I think Otago now have an opportunity with some young fellows coming through. It could be a really good era moving forward.
''I think it is a good time to be part of the process.''
