Damien Martyn hospitalised with meningitis, currently in induced coma

Former Australian top-order batter Damien Martyn is currently suffering from meningitis. He is in a Queensland hospital. Martyn had reportedly fallen ill on Boxing Day. However, the news, as per ESPNcricinfo, only came out on the evening of December 30.

A lot of Martyn's ex-teammates took to social media to express their best wishes to Martyn for a speedy recovery. 

"Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn's way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx," former Australian skipper Darren Lehmann had posted on X.

Close friend and ex-wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist conveyed a message on behalf of Martyn's family through his social media account.

"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," stated Gilchrist.

Cricket Australia's CEO Todd Greenberg also commented on the development.

"I'm saddened to hear of Damien's illness. The best wishes of everyone at CA and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time," Greenberg noted.

Martyn was known to be one of the game's most stylish stroke-makers. Martyn played 67 Tests for Australia and registered 4,406 runs at an average of 46.37 with 13 tons and 23 half-centuries. He was a key figure in Steve Waugh's menacing side. Waugh announced his retirement midway through the 2006 Ashes series.

Martyn's ODI career was almost as good as his Test tenure. He ended up with 5,346 runs in 208 matches (182 innings) while possessing an average and strike rate of 40.8 and 77.73, respectively. Martyn played a vital role in the 2003 ODI World Cup final, where he combined with Ricky Ponting to add a 234-run stand with the skipper, himself scoring a brisk unbeaten 84-ball 88.

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Martyn kept a low-key profile, post commentating for a brief stint after his playing days. He had recently done the gig for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the ongoing 2025-26 Ashes series.

"If the old brigade could play again, then this would be it. Boxing Day Test match. What a cauldron," he had written on X.