Damien Martyn’s health update: Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn is showing “positive signs” after being hospitalised and placed in an induced coma following a bout of meningitis, according to updates from health officials and former teammates.
The 54-year-old World Cup-winning batsman fell ill on Boxing Day (December 26) and was admitted to Gold Coast University Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition. Australian media reported he was diagnosed with meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and is being closely monitored by medical staff.
Health update brings cautious optimism
“Damien Martyn remains in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital,” a spokesperson for Gold Coast Health said on Wednesday as quoted by Nine news network.
Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, a close friend and teammate of Martyn, said early medical tests had delivered some encouraging indications.
“He’s still in hospital. There’ll be more details as they come to hand but certainly in the last 24 hours, some positive signs are the indications coming out of the various tests he’s having,” Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket.
Gilchrist also conveyed thanks on behalf of Martyn and his family for the widespread support. “On behalf of Damien Martyn… and his family, Amanda his partner, thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he continues to go through a challenging time,” he said.
Cricket fraternity rallies in support
News of Martyn’s illness was first made public by former AFL star Brad Hardie on Perth radio, prompting an outpouring of messages from across the sporting world. Former teammates Rodney Hogg and Darren Lehmann expressed shock and support, while messages of encouragement also came from current and former international players including Ravichandran Ashwin, VVS Laxman, Dale Steyn and Mohammad Yousuf.
Martyn, born in Darwin and raised in Perth, enjoyed a distinguished career for Australia and Western Australia. An elegant right-handed batter, he scored 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.37, alongside 5,346 runs in 208 one-day internationals. He was a key member of Australia’s 2003 World Cup-winning side, making an unbeaten 88 in the final against India.
Since retiring abruptly during the 2006-07 Ashes series, Martyn has largely stayed away from the public eye, though he has remained an avid follower of the game. He now lives on the Gold Coast, where he continues to receive treatment as the cricketing community awaits further updates on his condition.
