Former Australia cricketer Damien Martyn has been admitted to hospital and placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis, according to Australian media reports on Wednesday (December 31).
The 54-year-old was hospitalised on Boxing Day (December 26) after falling ill while resting. Meningitis is a serious medical condition that involves inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Gilchrist, Lehmann send support
Former Australia wicketkeeper batter and close friend Adam Gilchrist said Martyn was receiving the best possible medical care.
“He is getting the best of treatment,” Gilchrist told The Australian. “Amanda (his partner) and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes.”
Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann, a long-time teammate of Martyn, also expressed his support on social media platform X.
“Lots of love and prayers… keep strong and fighting, legend. Love to the family,” Lehmann wrote.
Key member of Australia’s golden era
Martyn represented Australia in 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006. Widely regarded as one of the finest strokemakers of his generation, he was a key member of the legendary captain Steve Waugh’s dominant Australian side.
He scored 13 Test centuries and 23 half-centuries, finishing his red-ball career with an average of 46.37. Martyn was also part of Australia’s 2003 ODI World Cup-winning team and played a decisive role in the final against India, scoring an unbeaten 88 in a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting.
Other than the 67 Tests, Martyn represented the Aussies in as many as 208 One Day Internationals and 4 T20 Internationals. In the 50-over format, Martyn accumulated 5346 runs, averaging 40.80 with the help of 5 hundreds and 37 fifties.
Martyn retired from international cricket during the 2006 Ashes series and has largely remained out of the public eye since.