Cricket stars rally around Damien Martyn as deadly illness puts him in a coma – and hospital issues update
Australia’s cricket community is rallying around Damien Martyn after the Test great was hospitalised suddenly in Brisbane.
The 54-year-old former batter has fallen ill in recent days, reportedly being placed in an induced coma amid a battle with meningitis.
Martyn is receiving treatment for the illness, which leaves sufferers with an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
‘Damien Martyn remains in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital,’ a spokesperson for Gold Coast Health said on Wednesday.
Adam Gilchrist confirmed his former Test and Western Australia teammate’s hospitalisation in a statement on behalf of the Martyn family.
‘He is getting the best of treatment and (Martyn’s partner) Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes,’ Gilchrist said.
Damien Martyn (pictured) is fighting for his life in a Queensland hospital
The 54-year-old played 67 Tests and 208 one-day internationals for Australia
Chief executive Todd Greenberg wished Martyn a quick recovery on behalf of Cricket Australia.
‘I’m saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of everyone at CA and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time,’ said Greenberg.
Former Test teammate Darren Lehmann and veteran sports broadcaster Jim Wilson were among others to send Martyn their best on social media.
‘Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family,’ wrote Lehmann.
Speaking on 6PR radio, former Test bowler Rodney Hogg called Martyn’s hospitalisation ‘shocking news’.
‘We wish him all the best,’ Hogg said.
Martyn’s seemingly effortless stroke play was his calling card as a player, averaging 46.37 with the bat across 67 Tests for Australia.
‘All our thoughts are with you @damienmartyn x,’ former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote on X.
The former middle order batter (pictured with Merv Hughes) is seen as one of the most underrated players of Australia’s golden era
Martyn has received numerous messages of support in the wake of his diagnosis
‘Oh no.. this is terrible news. Praying for you, Damo,’ added English broadcaster Piers Morgan.
Born in Darwin, Martyn earned a Test debut at 21 replacing the late Dean Jones in the 1992/93 home series against West Indies and was Western Australia’s captain at 23.
He was player of the series the last time Australia won an away series in India, top-scoring in four of Australia’s eight innings at the crease in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy battle.
His Test high score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005, one of 13 Test centuries Martyn made in the baggy green.
Martyn retired from Test cricket midway through the 2006/07 Ashes series, playing his final match at the Adelaide Oval that summer.
Martyn also played 208 ODIs, averaging 40.8 and scoring an unbeaten 88 runs as Australia defeated India in the final of the 2003 World Cup.
He dabbled in commentary in retirement but has mostly kept out of the limelight in recent years.
