Damien Martyn Shares Heartfelt Recovery Update After Meningitis Battle
Martyn's Emotional Recovery Journey
Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has shared a touching message regarding his recovery from meningitis, expressing his gratitude towards family and friends for their unwavering support. The 54-year-old athlete was hospitalized at Gold Coast University Hospital on December 27 after experiencing a severe illness, which led to him being placed in an induced coma.
Recently, fellow cricketer Adam Gilchrist announced that Martyn has been discharged from the hospital.
Martyn's Heartfelt Message
In a post on X, Martyn expressed, "This is a huge thank you to all my family, friends, and countless others who have reached out! On December 27, 2025, meningitis took control of my life, and I was placed in a paralyzed coma for eight days to combat this terrible illness. And I fought hard!"
He continued, "After being given a 50/50 chance of survival, I emerged from the coma unable to walk or talk. Yet, just four days later, to the doctors' astonishment, I was walking and talking again, proving I was ready to leave the hospital and begin my recovery. I am thrilled to be home, feeling the sand beneath my feet, and expressing my gratitude to everyone who supported me and my family during this time."
Martyn reflected on the fragility of life, stating, "This experience has shown me how quickly everything can change and how valuable time is. I have encountered so many wonderful individuals, from paramedics and medical staff to friends and even strangers who reached out with messages of love. I am deeply thankful to all of you. Here’s to 2026... I’m back!"
This post is a huge thank you to all my family, friends, and so many other people who have reached out to me! On December 27, 2025, my life was taken out of my hands… when meningitis took over my brain, and unbeknownst to me, I was placed into a paralyzed coma for 8 days to… pic.twitter.com/3Mt3DS6MZY
— Damien Martyn (@damienmartyn) January 17, 2026
Martyn's Cricketing Legacy
Throughout his career, Martyn played 67 Test matches, 208 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and four Twenty20 Internationals for Australia from 1992 to 2006. He is celebrated as one of the finest ODI finishers in cricket history.
Known for his graceful batting style, Martyn concluded his Test career with 4,406 runs at an average of 46.37, including 13 centuries. In ODIs, he amassed 5,346 runs at an average of 40.80, with five centuries and 37 half-centuries.
One of his standout moments came during the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, where he was awarded Player of the Series, finishing as the top scorer in four of Australia's eight innings, contributing to their first away series victory in India in several years.