Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn’s family has released a positive update about his health. Martyn, who was diagnosed with meningitis and admitted to a Gold Coast hospital recently, is ‘progressing
well’.
Martyn was reported to be in an induced coma following a bout of meningitis. It is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi and requires immediate treatment.
“Damien is progressing well with his medical treatment. We also want to express our deepest appreciation to the medical team at Gold Coast University Hospital, who have been nothing short of amazing throughout this challenging time. This has been a trying time, and the family asks that you respect their privacy,” the family’s statement to NewsCorp said.
Earlier, Martyn’s former teammate Adam Gilchrist had also shared an update on behalf of the former’s family.
“Thank you, everyone, for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he goes through a challenging time. He’s still in hospital. There’ll be more details coming out as they come to hand, but certainly in the last 24 hours, some positive signs are the indications coming out of the various tests he’s having. There’s been so much interest and love for Damien. A fine player, terrific fella. I just hope he can continue his recovery,” the former wicketkeeper-batter had said on FOX Cricket.
Now 54, Martyn featured in 67 Test matches over a career that began at a young age. A Darwin native, he was just 21 when he earned his Test cap, stepping into the side during the 1992–93 home series against the West Indies.
Across a 14-year Test career, he scored 13 centuries, with his highest score being 165 against New Zealand in 2005. His final appearance in the longest format came at the Adelaide Oval during the 2006–07 Ashes, after which he transitioned into a career in broadcasting.
In one-day internationals, he represented Australia 208 times and finished with an impressive average of 40.8. He was part of the squads that lifted the World Cup in 1999 and 2003, memorably making an unbeaten 88 in the 2003 final against India despite batting with a fractured finger. He also featured in Australia’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2006.
