The cricket world is sending its support to former Australia batter Damien Martyn, who has been placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis.
Cricket Australia Confirms Serious Illness
Cricket Australia has confirmed that the 54-year-old sportsman became unwell on Boxing Day, 26 December 2025. He is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Brisbane.
Martyn enjoyed a distinguished international career, playing 67 Test matches for Australia between 1992 and 2006 and was a key member of two World Cup-winning squads.
Outpouring of Support from Teammates and Friends
Cricket Australia's chief executive, Todd Greenberg, issued a statement expressing his sadness. "I'm saddened to hear of Damien's illness," he said. "The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time."
His close friend and former wicketkeeping teammate, Adam Gilchrist, added his voice to the well-wishers. "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.
Support has also come from the wider sporting community. Former AFL star Brad Hardie used his Perth radio show on 6PR to ask listeners for their positive thoughts. "I'd like everybody to have their best wishes and positive thoughts for Marto. Let's hope he can pull through, because it's really serious," Hardie stated.
Northamptonshire head coach and another former teammate, Darren Lehmann, sent "lots of love and prayers" via social media platform X, urging Martyn to "Keep strong and fighting legend."
A Cricket Career Remembered
Martyn, who also played for Yorkshire as an overseas player in 2003, remained engaged with the sport post-retirement. In a poignant post on X on Christmas Eve, he looked ahead to the traditional Boxing Day Ashes Test in Melbourne.
"If the old brigade could play again then this would be it. Boxing Day Test match. What a cauldron," he wrote, highlighting his enduring passion for the game just days before his hospitalisation.
The cricketing community now waits and hopes for positive news regarding the health of the much-admired former player.
