Former Australian cricket star Damien Martyn, renowned for his elegant batting and deliberate avoidance of the spotlight, is fighting for his life in a Gold Coast hospital. The 54-year-old is in an induced coma as he receives treatment for a serious case of meningitis, a battle described by those close to him as 'the fight of his life'.
A Private Man in a Public Crisis
Martyn's health emergency reportedly began on Boxing Day when he felt unwell and went to lie down. His condition deteriorated, leading to his hospitalisation and the subsequent medically induced coma. The news has sent shockwaves through the global cricket community, prompting an outpouring of support for the famously reserved sportsman.
This public health drama stands in stark contrast to the life Martyn meticulously built after retiring from all forms of cricket in 2006. Unlike contemporaries such as Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, and Justin Langer, Martyn actively shunned high-profile commentary roles and public life. After playing 67 Tests for Australia, he executed what was dubbed 'the greatest vanishing act in the history of Australian sport' by the Sydney Morning Herald.
The 'Greatest Vanishing Act' in Sport
Martyn's retirement during the 2006 Ashes series stunned teammates and fans alike. True to his word that "When I retire I won't be hanging around," he immediately left for Hawaii with his wife to escape the fallout. He disconnected his phones, and even his best mate, Ricky Ponting, could not reach him. Martyn had kept all his teammates completely in the dark about his decision to permanently hang up his baggy green cap.
This desire for privacy was a lifelong trait. "I never liked being the centre of attention," Martyn once explained. "Deep down I'd rather not be noticed by anyone." This mindset made him a perfect fit in a team laden with superstars, allowing him to be a "backroom boy" while others commanded the media spotlight.
Global Cricket Community Rallies
Since news of his condition broke, a wave of support has flooded in from across the cricketing world. Adam Gilchrist has made a statement on behalf of Martyn's family. Australia's Test coach, Darren Lehmann, a former teammate, sent "lots of love and prayers".
The support has been international, with messages from England greats Darren Gough and Michael Vaughan, South Africa's Dale Steyn, and Indian legends VVS Laxman and Ravi Ashwin, all urging the stylish batsman to fight on. This collective concern underscores the high regard in which the private West Australian is held, despite his years away from the public eye.
As Damien Martyn continues his critical battle with meningitis in hospital, the sport that he left behind is now united in hoping for the recovery of one of its most gifted and enigmatic sons.
