Former Australia and Western Australia batter Damien Martyn has been placed in an induced coma in a Brisbane hospital after falling ill with meningitis over the past few days, his family confirmed on Wednesday.
The 54-year-old, who was born in Darwin and enjoyed a distinguished international career, is receiving treatment as doctors monitor his condition. Adam Gilchrist, a close friend and longtime teammate at both state and international level, spoke on behalf of Martyn’s family.
“He is getting the best of treatment and Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes,” Gilchrist said.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the organisation and the wider game were thinking of Martyn and his family during what he described as a difficult period.
“I’m saddened to hear of Damien’s illness,” Greenberg said in a statement. “The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and across the cricket community are with him at this time.”
Martyn made his Test debut at the age of 21 during the 1992-93 home series against West Indies, replacing the late Dean Jones. He was appointed Western Australia captain two years later and went on to establish himself as one of the most accomplished batters of his era, particularly in the middle order.
A key member of Australia’s 2003 World Cup-winning side, Martyn was also central to one of the team’s most notable Test achievements of the modern era. In India in 2004, he was named Player of the Series as Australia secured their last Test series win there, top-scoring in four of the eight innings.
His highest Test score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005, and he ended his international career with 13 Test centuries. Since news of his illness emerged, messages of support have continued to arrive from across the cricket world.
