The Indian and Australian cricket communities have rallied around former Australian batsman Damien Martyn after the Test great was suddenly hospitalized in Brisbane. The 54-year-old fell ill in recent days and was reportedly put into an induced coma as he battled meningitis.
Martyn is being treated at the Gold Coast University Hospicel. The seriousness of his condition was confirmed on Wednesday by a spokesman for Gold Coast Health. “Damien Martyn remains in a serious condition at Gold Coast University Hospital,” a spokesman said.
Adam Gilchrist confirmed his former Test and Western Australia teammate’s hospitalization in a statement released on behalf of the Martyn family. “He is receiving the best treatment and Amanda and his family know that many people are sending their prayers and best wishes,” Gilchrist said.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has extended support to the organisation. “I am saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. Everyone at CA and the wider cricket community is with him at this time,” said Greenberg.
Messages of support poured in from across the cricketing world. Former India batsmen VVS Laxman and Ravichandran Ashwin were among those who sent their prayers. “Sending strength and prayers to my dear friend @damienmartyn and his family. I wish him a full and speedy recovery. The entire cricketing world stands with you Matt at this difficult time,” Laxman wrote.
Ashwin added: “Thoughts are with @damienmartyn. Prayers he sees his comeback.”
Former Australian teammate Darren Lehmann and veteran broadcaster Jim Wilson also shared messages of support. “Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn his way. Keep the legend strong and fighting. Love to the family,” Lehmann wrote. Former Test player Rodney Hogg described the news as “shocking” on Radio 6PR. “We wish him all the best,” Hogg said.
Considered one of Australia’s most elegant stroke-makers, Martyn played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006, scoring 4,406 runs at an average of 46.37, including 13 centuries. After being recalled to the Test side in 2000 after a six-year hiatus, he became a key figure in Steve Waugh’s dominant side before retiring midway through the 2006 Ashes series.
Born in Darwin, Martyn made his Test debut aged 21 when he replaced the late Dean Jones in the 1992-93 home series against the West Indies and captained Western Australia at 23. He was man of the series during Australia’s last Test series win in India, scoring in four of Australia’s eight innings in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His highest Test score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005.
Martyn also played 208 ODIs, at an average of 40.8, and was part of the Australian team that won the 2003 World Cup, scoring an unbeaten 88 in the final against India. Since retiring, he has remained largely out of the public eye, appearing only occasionally on commentary.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was among those to offer his support, writing on X: “All our thoughts are with you @damienmartyn x.”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 31, 2025
