Former Australian cricket star Damien Martyn is fighting for his life after being placed in an induced coma due to a serious case of meningitis.
Hospitalisation and Serious Condition
The 54-year-old ex-batter was rushed to a hospital in Brisbane in a serious condition on Boxing Day, after suddenly falling ill. Medical sources confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald that Martyn was placed into the coma as he battles the infection.
Meningitis causes dangerous inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to potentially fatal swelling on the brain. It is hoped that doctors will be able to bring Martyn out of the induced coma over the next few days.
Outpouring of Support from Sporting World
The news prompted an immediate wave of concern and support from across the cricket community and wider sports world. 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 said. "I'd like everybody to certainly have their best wishes and positive thoughts for Marto. God give him strength."
Martyn's former Australian teammate Darren Lehmann posted a message of support on X, writing: "Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keen strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx."
A Celebrated Cricket Career
Martyn's hospitalisation comes just days after he shared his excitement for the Boxing Day Ashes Test on social media. On Christmas Eve, he posted a picture of the MCG, writing: "If the old brigade could play again, then this would be it. Boxing Day test match. What a cauldron."
As a revered top-order batsman, Martyn played 67 Test matches for Australia, scoring 4,406 runs. He captained Australia at Under-19 level before making his Test debut in 1992. He played first-class cricket for Western Australia and had spells in English county cricket with Leicestershire and Yorkshire, later featuring for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
Martyn famously shocked the cricket world by retiring from all forms of the game mid-way through the 2006-07 Ashes series at the age of 35.
