Former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martyn is in a serious condition in a Brisbane hospital after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 54-year-old was placed in an induced coma following the diagnosis.
Cricket Australia confirmed that Martyn, who played 67 Test matches for his country, became unwell on December 26th. He is now receiving treatment.
“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,” said Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg.
Sources close to Martyn’s family stated he fell ill on Boxing Day and was taken to a hospital in Queensland. Doctors there confirmed he had meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Just days before falling ill, Martyn had been active on social media, sharing his excitement for the ongoing Ashes Test series.
Damien Martyn is remembered as one of Australia’s most skilled batters. He played for Australia between 1992 and 2006, scoring 4,406 Test runs. He was a key member of two World Cup winning teams. His unbeaten score of 88 in the 2003 World Cup final, played with a broken finger, helped secure victory against India.
His former teammate and friend, Adam Gilchrist, said, “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.”
The news has prompted an outpouring of concern from the sports community. Former AFL star Brad Hardie, speaking on Perth radio, asked listeners to send their positive thoughts to Martyn, calling the situation “really serious.”