Cricket Apr 19, 2026

Damien Martyn: Former Australia cricketer out of coma after contracting meningitis

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Damien Martyn: Former Australia cricketer out of coma after contracting meningitis

Former Australia batter Damien Martyn has revealed he is out of an induced coma and recovering at home after he was left with a "50-50 chance of survival".

The 54-year-old, who played 67 Test matches between 1992 and 2006 and won two World Cups, was hospitalised in December after he contracted meningitis.

However, writing on X on Saturday, accompanied with a picture of him on the beach, Martyn said: "This post is A BIG 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 paralysed coma for eight days to help me fight this awful disease. And that I did! Fight that is!

"After being given a 50/50 chance of surviving, I came out of the induced coma eight days later… not able to walk or talk. And yet four days after that, with the doctors in disbelief, I walked, I talked and proved to them all why I should be released from hospital to start my recovery.

"So happy to be home, to be able to put my feet in the sand on the beach and to start thanking all those people that reached out to me and my family in their unwavering support.

"This experience has reminded me of how fragile life is, how quickly everything can change and how precious time is! Bring on 2026… I'm back!"

Tags:

cricket news

Share this article

Related Posts

County Championship: Essex use first injury substitute in tournament history as captain Tom Westley breaks finger

County Championship: Essex use first injury substitute in tournament history as captain Tom Westley breaks finger

The ECB's player replacement trial rule has been used for the first time in County Championship history, as Essex captain Tom Westley was replaced aft...

Alice Capsey and Davina Perrin tipped to star in 2026 on Sky Sports Cricket podcast

Alice Capsey and Davina Perrin tipped to star in 2026 on Sky Sports Cricket podcast

Alice Capsey could hit unprecedented heights in women's cricket in 2026, having dialled in after "realising how much of a talent she is", according to...

County Championship: Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley endure lacklustre starts to County Championship season - round-up

County Championship: Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley endure lacklustre starts to County Championship season - round-up

Ollie Pope's bid to regain his England place got off to a disappointing start as under-pressure Test opener Zak Crawley fell for just nine on the open...

Storm Dave damages Durham's Riverside cricket ground during County Championship game with Kent

Storm Dave damages Durham's Riverside cricket ground during County Championship game with Kent

Durham's cricket stadium has been damaged by Storm Dave, with fans initially told to stay away for safety reasons on an ultimately abandoned day three...

'A great opportunity' - Test skipper Ben Stokes urges players to push England case in County Championship

'A great opportunity' - Test skipper Ben Stokes urges players to push England case in County Championship

England Test captain Ben Stokes has urged players to push their case for an International call-up in the County Championship, calling it a "great oppo...

County Championship: James Anderson takes five-wicket haul to put Lancashire on top against Northamptonshire

County Championship: James Anderson takes five-wicket haul to put Lancashire on top against Northamptonshire

James Anderson rolled back the years with a five-wicket haul as Lancashire ended the second day of their opening County Championship match against Nor...