Former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martyn has declared 'I'm back' after a harrowing battle with meningitis that saw him placed in an induced coma and fighting for his life.
A Fight for Survival Against Meningitis
In a deeply personal social media post, the 54-year-old batting legend disclosed the severity of his recent health crisis. Martyn revealed he was given just a 50/50 chance of surviving after contracting meningitis, a dangerous infection causing swelling of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The situation became critical on 27 December, when doctors made the decision to place him into a paralysed, induced coma at a Gold Coast intensive care unit. "My life was taken out of my hands … when meningitis took over my brain," Martyn wrote, reflecting on the terrifying ordeal.
An Astonishing Recovery Against the Odds
Martyn remained in the coma for eight days before waking. The initial aftermath was profoundly challenging, with the former batter unable to walk or talk. However, in what he described as a moment that left "the doctors in disbelief," he began speaking and moving just four days later.
"This experience has reminded me of how fragile life is, how quickly everything can change + how precious time is!" Martyn stated, expressing a renewed perspective. His message concluded with a defiant and optimistic: "Bring on 2026 … I’m back!"
Gratitude for a Support Network
The cricketer took time to thank the extensive network of people who supported him during the three-week medical emergency. His gratitude extended from the paramedics at Mermaid Waters Ambulance and the doctors and nurses at Gold Coast University Hospital to his family, friends, and countless well-wishers who sent messages of love.
"I feel like I met all these fantastic people in the past three weeks, or they reached out to me through messages of love and support," he said, acknowledging the global outpouring of concern from the cricket community and beyond.
Remembering a Stellar Cricket Career
Martyn's health scare brings renewed attention to the career of one of Australia's most elegant middle-order batsmen. He made his Test debut at 21 during the 1992-93 home series against the West Indies and remarkably captained Western Australia by the age of 23.
His Test career was distinguished by 13 centuries in the baggy green, with a highest score of 165 against New Zealand in 2005, contributing to an impressive career average of 46.37. He was also a pivotal member of Australia's dominant one-day side, playing 208 ODIs with an average of 40.8. A key highlight was his unbeaten 88 in the 2003 World Cup final, steering Australia to victory against India.
His recent recovery adds a profound new chapter to his story, one defined not by runs and records, but by resilience and a second chance at life.
