Former Australian cricket star Damien Martyn is reportedly in serious condition at a Brisbane hospital. The 54-year-old was hospitalised suddenly on Boxing Day following illness, and is reportedly in induced coma for meningitis. The condition involves the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
He is being treated at the Gold Coast University Hospital. His former teammate Adam Gilchrist confirmed Martyn's hospitalisation in a statement issued on behalf of the latter's family. "He (Damien) is getting the best of treatment, and Amanda (his partner) and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes".
Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn will need every ounce of his legendary toughness as he fights for his life in hospital. The former test batsman has been struck down by meningitis, which causes the brain and spinal cord to swell. @katrinablowers pic.twitter.com/3zg03UKgLw
— 7NEWS Queensland (@7NewsBrisbane) December 31, 2025
Support has poured in from the cricketing fraternity. His former Test teammate, Darren Lehmann, posted on social media, encouraging Martyn to "Keep strong and fighting legend," and sending "love to the family".
Cricket Australia’s chief executive, Todd Greenberg, also extended his support. "I'm saddened to hear of Damien's illness," Greenberg said. "The best wishes of everyone at CA and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time."
From India greats such as VVS Laxman and Ravichandran Ashwin, and ex-England captain Michael Vaughan, too, took to social media to extend support to Martyn and his family.
Hailing from Darwin, Martyn made his Test debut at just 21 during the 1992-93 home series against the West Indies and was named captain of Western Australia by the age of 23.
Martyn played 67 Tests from 1992 to 2006, scoring 4,406 runs at an average of 46.37 and hit 13 centuries. His highest Test score was a magnificent 165 against New Zealand in 2005. He retired during the 2006-07 Ashes series and became a commentator later on.
He also featured in 208 one-day internationals, amassing 5,346 runs at 40.80. He was a key member of Australia's dominant teams that won the World Cups in 1999 and 2003. He scored a crucial 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final against India, with a broken finger. His career also includes a 2006 Champions Trophy win.
