Damien martyn Shows “Positive Signs” After Meningitis Battle
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Australian cricket icon Damien Martyn is showing encouraging signs of recovery after being hospitalized with meningitis following a sudden illness on Boxing Day. The 54-year-old former batsman, a key member of Australia’s 2003 World Cup-winning team, was placed in an induced coma at a Gold Coast University Hospital as doctors work to combat the infection.
A Cricket Legend in Serious Condition
Martyn, who represented Australia in 67 Test matches and 208 One Day Internationals (ODIs), initially fell ill after feeling unwell and lying down, according to reports. Meningitis,an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord,can be life-threatening.
Adam Gilchrist, a close friend and former teammate, provided an update on Martyn’s condition on behalf of the family, stating, “He’s still in hospital. There’ll be more details come out 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 also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, adding, “There’s been so much interest and love. A fine player, terrific fella. I just hope he can continue a recovery.”
Gilchrist further conveyed the family’s thankfulness, saying, “On behalf of Damien Martyn, a great friend, a former teammate of a few of us… on behalf of his family, Amanda his partner, thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he’s gone through and continues to go through a challenging time.”
Outpouring of Support from the Cricket world
News of Martyn’s illness prompted an immediate wave of support from across the cricketing world. Brad Hardie,a 1985 Brownlow medallist,was the first to publicly announce Martyn’s condition on Perth’s 6PR radio,describing it as “the fight of his life.” Former Australian test cricketers rodney Hogg and Darren Lehmann also offered their well wishes, with Lehmann posting a message of support on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx.”
The support extended beyond Australian shores, with messages arriving from international stars like Indian great Ravichandran Ashwin, former rival VVS Laxman, South African fast bowling legend Dale Steyn, and Pakistan batting icon Mohammad Yousuf.
A Career Defined by Elegance and Clutch Performances
Throughout his distinguished career,Martyn established himself as an elegant and reliable right-hand batter. he amassed 4,406 runs in 67 Test matches, averaging 46.37 with a career-best score of 165 and 13 centuries. In ODIs, he scored 5,346 runs in 208 matches at an average of 40.90,including five centuries and a highest score of 144*.
Martyn’s most memorable moment arguably came in the 2003 World Cup final against India, where he scored a crucial 88 not out while battling a broken finger, forming a match-winning partnership with captain Ricky ponting.
A Sudden Retirement and Lasting Passion
Despite a successful career, Martyn made a surprising decision to retire midway through the 2006/07 Ashes series, abruptly departing after the second Test in Adelaide. While he has largely remained away from the spotlight as then, he demonstrated his enduring passion for the game just days before his illness, replying to a post on X about the upcoming Boxing Day Test, stating, “If the old brigade could play again then this would be it. Boxing Day test match. What a cauldron.” He also offered a pointed critique of England’s performance prior to their Melbourne victory, dismissing explanations attributing their losses to off-field distractions.
Born in Darwin and raised in Perth, Martyn spent much of his life on the West Coast before settling on the Gold Coast. the entire cricket community remains united in hoping for his full and swift recovery.
