Former Australian batter Damien Martyn has been placed into an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 54-year-old reportedly fell ill on Friday and is currently being treated in a hospital in Queensland.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and can be deadly.
Former teammate Adam Gilchrist, speaking for the family, confirmed Martyn is in hospital and receiving the best possible treatment, adding that the family has been overwhelmed by messages of support.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed sadness at the news and wished Martyn a speedy recovery.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, doctors are hopeful Damien Martyn could be brought out of the induced coma in the coming days.
Another former teammate, Darren Lehmann, now head coach of Northamptonshire, also shared his support on X, writing: “Lots of love and prayers… Keep strong and fighting legend.”
Martyn played 67 Test matches for Australia between 1992 and 2006, along with 208 one-day internationals. He scored 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.37 and 5,346 ODI runs at an average of 40, including five centuries and 37 half-centuries.
He won two World Cups during his international career and played a key role in the 2003 World Cup final, scoring an unbeaten 88 against India despite batting with a broken finger.
He also represented Yorkshire as an overseas player in 2003.
Martyn featured in four Ashes series and retired with immediate effect before the third Test in 2006. He has largely kept a low profile since retiring from professional cricket.
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