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Damien Martyn in Induced Coma: Cricket World Sends Prayers for Aussie Great

Former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martyn is in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. His close friend and former teammate Adam Gilchrist confirmed the news, stating Martyn is receiving the best possible treatment. The 54-year-old, a key member of Australia's 2003 World Cup-winning team, fell ill and was hospitalized. The entire cricket community, including Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg, has sent prayers and best wishes for his recovery.

Key Points: Damien Martyn in Induced Coma After Meningitis Diagnosis

  • Former Aussie batter in induced coma
  • Diagnosed with meningitis
  • 2003 World Cup winner
  • Cricket community sends support
2 min read

Ex-Aussie batter Damien Martyn in induced coma after meningitis diagnosis

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn, 54, is in an induced coma after a meningitis diagnosis. The 2003 World Cup winner is receiving treatment as the cricket community rallies.

"He is getting the best of treatment... a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes. - Adam Gilchrist"

New Delhi, Dec 31

Former Aussie batter Damien Martyn is in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 54-year-old former batter, who played 67 Test matches between 1992 and 2006, reportedly fell ill on Friday and was rushed to the hospital.

Adam Gilchrist, Martyn's close friend and former Australian and WA teammate, confirmed on behalf of his family the 2003 World Cup winner was receiving treatment in hospital.

"He is getting the best of treatment and (Martyn's partner) Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes," Gilchrist was quoted by cricket.com.au.

Meningitis is an inflammation of protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and infection can cause harmful brain swelling. Martyn's condition is being closely monitored.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported externally it was hoped Martyn could be brought out of his coma in the coming days.

"I'm saddened to hear of Damien's illness. The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time," the governing body's CEO Todd Greenberg said in a statement.

Martyn was player of the series the last time Australia won an away series in India, top scoring in four of Australia's eight innings in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

He played his final Test in Australia's famous win at Adelaide Oval in the 2006-07 Ashes series before suddenly retiring ahead of the third Test of a 5-0 whitewash over England. During his career, he scored 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.37.

Martyn also played 208 ODIs for 5,346 runs at 40.90, with a highest score of 144 not out. He made a famous 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final, batting with a broken finger and sharing an epic partnership with captain Ricky Ponting as Australia beat India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Anjali F
Oh no! Damien Martyn was a classy player. His 2004 series in India was a masterclass. The way he handled our spinners was brilliant. Sending prayers from Mumbai. Get well soon!
D
David E
Terrible news. He was one of the most elegant batsmen of his generation. That 88* in the 2003 final still hurts as an Indian, but you can't deny his quality and courage. Hoping the medical team can pull him through this.
S
Siddharth J
This brings back memories of the great Australian side of the 2000s. Martyn was a key part of that juggernaut. Wishing him strength. It's a reminder that health comes first, beyond any rivalry on the field.
P
Priyanka N
Very shocking. He's only 54. Makes you realize how fragile life is. I hope the induced coma helps his brain recover from the swelling. My thoughts are with his partner Amanda and his family during this difficult time.
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Varun X
A respectful point: while we all wish him well, this news coverage feels a bit disproportionate. Many former Indian cricketers from that era face serious health issues with less fanfare. That said, cricket is a global family. Get well, Damien.

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