Damien Martyn is fighting for his life as he’s been placed in an induced coma after contracting meningitis. The former Australia batter fell sick on Boxing Day and was rushed to a Gold Coast hospital after feeling sick.
“Damien Martyn remains in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital,” a spokesperson for Gold Coast Health was reported as saying by Nine.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has conveyed his best wishes.
“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,” Greenberg said in a statement.
Australia legend Adam Gilchrist, former teammate of Martyn, said the 54-year-old is getting the best treatment.
“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 said.
Sending strength and prayers to my dear friend @damienmartyn and his family. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. The entire cricket world stands with you Matto during this tough time🤗🤗
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 31, 2025
Thoughts are with @damienmartyn
Prayers to see him bounce back🙏
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 31, 2025
Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting, legend. Love to the family xxx 🙏 ❤️
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) December 30, 2025
All our thoughts are with you @damienmartyn x
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 31, 2025
Thoughts and prayers with @damienmartyn for a speedy recovery. You’re a fighter, champ…and all of us are rooting for you. Godspeed 🙌
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 31, 2025
Meningitis is an inflammation of protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and infection can cause harmful brain swelling.
Martyn played 67 Tests and 208 ODIs for Australia between 1992 and 2006. He played his final Test in Australia’s famous win at Adelaide Oval in the 2006-07 Ashes series before abruptly announcing his retirement ahead of the third Test of a 5-0 series sweep of England.
During his career, he scored 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.37.
Martyn, a World Cup winner, scored 5,346 runs at 40.90, with a highest score of 144 not out in his ODI career. His unbeaten 88 in the 2003 World Cup final while batting with a broken finger was key to Australia winning a second straight title.
