Damien Martyn’s family has given an update about the Australian cricket great’s health battle after he was placed in an induced coma due to meningitis.
The 54-year-old former batsman, who played 67 Tests and was a 2003 ODI World Cup winner, was sent to Gold Coast University Hospital with the serious illness and has, according to his partner Amanda and his family, has been “progressing well with his medical treatment”.
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“We would like to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of support our family has received,” the family said in a statement to the Courier Mail.
“We also want to express our deepest appreciation to the medical team at Gold Coast University Hospital who have been nothing short of amazing throughout this challenging time.
“This has been a trying time and the family ask that you respect their privacy.’’
Meningitis is an inflammation of protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and infection can cause harmful brain swelling. Martyn’s condition is being closely monitored.
Earlier this week, there were indications of “positive signs” surrounding Martyn’s health.
As the cricket world crosses its fingers for Martyn, former teammate and close friend Adam Gilchrist gave an encouraging update on behalf of the stricken star’s family following a series of tests.
“He’s still in hospital. There’ll be more details come out as they come to hand but certainly in the last 24 hours, some positive signs are the indications coming out of the various tests he’s having,” Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket on Thursday.
“There’s been so much interest and love.
“A fine player, terrific fella. I just hope he can continue a recovery.”
Gilchrist began by extending gratitude for all the well wishes Martyn has received on behalf of the 54-year old and his family.
“On behalf of Damien Martyn, a great friend, a former teammate of a few of us … on behalf of his family, Amanda his partner, thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he’s gone through and continues to go through a challenging time,” Gilchrist said.
Brad Hardie, the 1985 Brownlow Medallist, first announced Martyn’s plight on Perth’s 6PR radio, without revealing the specific illness.
“Damien Martyn, the champ from WA, fantastic batsman … unfortunately took ill on Boxing Day and currently is residing in a Queensland hospital and he is in for the fight of his life,” Hardie said.
“I’d like everybody to certainly have their best wishes and positive thoughts for Marto. God give him strength.
“Let’s hope he can pull through because it’s really serious.”
Former Australian Test cricketer Rodney Hogg added: “We wish him all the best. That’s shocking news.”
Former teammate Darren Lehmann sent a message of support on X, writing: “Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx.”
Ex-Western Australia teammate Ryan Campbell posted: “Sending lots of love & best wishes to @damienmartyn …..Thinking of you & your family buddy.”
As former players across the western side of the globe woke up to the news on New Year’s Eve, well wishes continued to flow for Martyn from the likes of Indian great Ravichandran Ashwin and former rival VVS Laxman, plus South African fast bowling legend Dale Steyn and Pakistan batting icon Mohammad Yousuf.
Martyn was born in Darwin, grew up in Perth and starred playing for Western Australia. He now lives on the Gold Coast.
He was an elegant right-hand batter who made 4,406 Test runs for Australia at an average of 46.37, with a best of 165 among 13 centuries.
He also played 208 ODIs for 5,346 runs at 40.90, with a highest score of 144* from five tons. He made a famous 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final, batting with a broken finger and sharing an epic partnership with captain Ricky Ponting as Australia beat India.
Though Martyn has dabbled in commentary, he has reportedly kept his distance from cricket in retirement, rarely attending functions.
He made a startling exit from cricket midway through the 2006/07 Ashes, retiring abruptly after the second Test in Adelaide — one of Australia’s most famous wins over England.
He has never lost his passion for cricket. On Christmas Eve, he replied on X to a picture of the MCG lying in wait for the Boxing Day Test, saying: “If the old brigade could play again then this would be it. Boxing Day test match. What a cauldron.”
He also had a crack at strife-torn England before they rallied to win in Melbourne: “Now it’s all the beer plus the Noosa beach why England lost. Load of rubbish. Got to love media click bait. Australia are just better.”
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