 Martin made his first-class debut in the Currie Cup for Natal against Eastern Province in March 1926, taking two second-innings wickets including that of Arthur Ochse.He played two more games (both also against Natal) the following season, taking six wickets in the first match and scoring 64 not out in the first innings of the second game.In 1929 Martin made his debut in England, playing for MCC against Oxford University at Lord's, and although he returned to Natal during the English winters, he played no further cricket outside England until after the Second World War.