Former Australian cricket star Damien Martyn is fighting for his life after being placed in an induced coma following a sudden collapse. The 54-year-old was rushed to a Brisbane hospital in a serious condition after falling ill on Boxing Day.
The Seriousness of the Situation
Martyn was diagnosed with meningitis, a dangerous disease that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can lead to potentially fatal swelling on the brain. Sources close to the situation, speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, confirmed the former batter's critical state.
Medical staff made the decision to induce the coma as part of his treatment. It is understood that doctors hope to bring him out of the coma over the coming days, but his condition remains grave.
An Outpouring of Support from the Sporting World
The news has prompted a wave of concern and support from across the cricketing community and beyond. AFL great Brad Hardie used his late-night radio show on 6PR to send his "thoughts and prayers" to Martyn and his family.
"Damien Martyn, the champ from WA, fantastic batsman... unfortunately took ill on Boxing Day and is currently residing in a Queensland hospital and he is in for the fight of his life," Hardie told listeners. "I'd like everybody to certainly have their best wishes and positive thoughts for Marto. God give him strength. Let's hope he can pull through because it's really serious."
Martyn's former Australian teammate, Darren Lehmann, took to social media platform X to post a heartfelt message. "Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keen strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx," Lehmann wrote.
A Stellar Career Cut Short
The illness comes just days after Martyn himself was engaging with fans online, sharing his excitement for the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Christmas Eve. "If the old brigade could play again, then this would be it," he wrote alongside a picture of the iconic stadium.
Martyn's cricket career was marked by elegance and skill. A top-order batsman renowned for his ability to score runs, he captained Australia at Under-19 level before making his Test debut in 1992.
Across 67 Test matches, he amassed 4,406 runs. He played first-class cricket for Western Australia and had spells in the English County Championship with Leicestershire and Yorkshire. He was also part of the Rajasthan Royals squad in the 2010 Indian Premier League season.
Martyn famously shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket during the 2006-07 Ashes series at the age of 35. Now, friends, family, and fans worldwide are hoping the respected cricketer can win his most important battle yet.
