Martyn is recovering well, says his friend Adam Gilchrist
Former Australian Test batter Damien Martyn is showing “positive signs” after being hospitalized in an induced coma with meningitis, his former teammate Adam Gilchrist said. The 54-year-old, who played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006 and 208 one-day internationals, fell ill while lying down last week before being rushed to hospital. He was diagnosed with meningitis—an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. “Thank you, everyone, for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he goes through a challenging time,” fellow Test great Gilchrist said during a Big Bash League game broadcast on Thursday evening. “He’s still in the hospital. There’ll be more details coming out as they come to hand, but certainly in the last 24 hours, some positive signs are the indications coming out of the various tests he’s having.” Support and prayers for Martyn are being poured all-over the cricket fraternity across the world. Former and present cricketers also including former England captain Michael Vaughan and Indian greats Ravichandran Ashwin and VVS Laxman are sending prayers through their X-accounts respectively. Known as one of the game’s most elegant stroke-players, Martyn became a key figure in Steve Waugh’s all-powerful Australian side, hitting 13 centuries and averaging 46.37. He was also part of the Australian team that won the 2003 ODI World Cup, cracking 88 not out in the final against India in a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting. Martyn retired in 2006 during the Ashes series and had kept a low profile since.
Australian great Damien Martyn is battling for life against Meningitis!
Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn is in an induced coma, battling life-threatening meningitis. He was rushed to a Brisbane hospital in serious condition after falling ill on 26 December. The 54-year-old has meningitis, which inflames the membranes around the brain and spinal cord and can cause brain swelling. Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist, a close friend of Martyn, informed the public on behalf of his family that Martyn is receiving treatment in a hospital. “He is getting the best of treatment, and (Martyn’s partner) Amanda and his family know that many people are sending their prayers and best wishes,” Gilchrist was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg also sent his best wishes for Martyn’s speedy recovery. “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 in a statement. Martyn made his debut in international cricket during a Test against the West Indies in Brisbane in 1992, scoring 36 and 15 in two innings. Then, he established himself as one of the most elegant stroke-players in Australia and went on to play 67 Tests and 208 ODIs for Australia.
