Former Australia batter Damien Martyn is currently in a serious condition in a Queensland hospital after being diagnosed with meningitis, with the 54-year-old placed in an induced coma as doctors continue treatment.
Martyn fell ill on Boxing Day and was rushed to hospital after his condition deteriorated. The news, first reported by Nine Newspapers, sent shockwaves through the Australian cricket fraternity, with former teammates and players rallying around one of the game’s most admired figures. Martyn is still being remembered for having a water-tight technique and slique cover drives.
Australia legends rally around Martyn
Messages of support poured in on Wednesday. Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann wrote on X, “Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family.” Close friend Adam Gilchrist told News Corp, “He is getting the best of treatment and Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes.“
Former AFL star Brad Hardie revealed the gravity of the situation on 6PR radio in Perth. “Damien Martyn, the champ from WA… is in for the fight of his life. Let’s hope he can pull through because it’s really serious,” Hardie said.
Martyn remains one of Australia’s finest stroke-makers. He played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006, scoring 4,406 runs at 46.37 with 13 centuries. His comeback in 2000 after six years out became one of the great redemption stories of the era, and he went on to become a key member of Steve Waugh’s dominant side.
In ODIs, Martyn was equally influential, amassing 5,346 runs at 40.80 and playing a pivotal role in Australia’s 2003 World Cup triumph, most memorably with an unbeaten 88 in the final against India alongside Ricky Ponting.
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