Brisbane, Dec 31 (UNI): Australia’s cricket fraternity has rallied around former batter Damien Martyn after the 54-year-old was hospitalised in Brisbane and placed in an induced coma following a bout of meningitis, as per Cricket Australia.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg extended the board’s support, saying the thoughts of the entire cricketing community were with Martyn. “I’m saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time,” Greenberg said.
Martyn’s close friend and former Australia and Western Australia teammate, Adam Gilchrist, confirmed that the cricketer is receiving treatment, speaking on behalf of the 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.
Renowned for his elegant and seemingly effortless stroke play, Martyn had a distinguished international career, averaging 46.37 across 67 Test matches for Australia. Born in Darwin, he made his Test debut at just 21, replacing the late Dean Jones during the 1992–93 home series against West Indies, and went on to captain Western Australia at the age of 23.
One of the highlights of Martyn’s career came in India in 2004, where he was named Player of the Series in Australia’s last away Test series win in the country, top-scoring in four of the team’s eight innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His highest Test score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005, one of 13 centuries he registered in the Baggy Green.
Martyn played his final Test during Australia’s famous Ashes victory at Adelaide Oval in the 2006–07 series before announcing a sudden retirement ahead of the third Test, despite Australia cruising towards a 5–0 whitewash of England.
Tributes and well-wishes poured in from former teammates, with ex-Australia all-rounder Darren Lehmann writing on social media: “Lots of love and prayers sending Damien Martyn’s way. Keep strong and fighting legend.”
Beyond the red-ball format, Martyn was also a mainstay of Australia’s one-day side, averaging over 40 in 208 ODIs during a 16-year international career. He was a key member of Australia’s 2003 World Cup-winning team in South Africa, memorably scoring an unbeaten 88 in a 234-run partnership with captain Ricky Ponting in the final against India.
Martyn dabbled in commentary in retirement but has mostly kept out of the limelight in recent years.
