Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn, a key figure in Australia's golden era of the 2000s, remains hospitalized in a serious but stable condition at Gold Coast University Hospital after being diagnosed with meningitis and placed in an induced coma. The 54-year-old fell ill on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, at his home on the Gold Coast, leading to his admission, where he battles the infection affecting the membranes around his brain and spinal cord. Close friend and ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist provided a crucial update on January 1, 2026, stating that Martyn is "still in hospital" but showing "positive signs" and "encouraging indications" from recent tests over the last 24 hours.
Gilchrist, speaking on FOX Cricket during Big Bash League coverage, shared on behalf of Martyn's partner Amanda and family: "There will 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." He added, "There has been so much interest and love. A fine player, terrific fella. I just hope he can continue his recovery," thanking the cricket community for their support. A Gold Coast Health spokesperson confirmed Martyn's serious condition as of January 1, with hopes he could be brought out of the coma soon, though no further official medical details have emerged as of January 2.
Martyn, who played 67 Tests (4,406 runs at 46.37 avg, 13 centuries), 208 ODIs (5,346 runs at 40.80 avg, 5 centuries), and 4 T20Is from 1992 to 2006, was a two-time World Cup winner (1999, 2003) and 2006 Champions Trophy victor. Renowned as one of cricket's finest ODI finishers, he starred in Australia's last Test series win in India (2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Player of the Series with 444 runs) and smashed 88* in the 2003 World Cup final against India. Tributes from VVS Laxman, R Ashwin, Dale Steyn, Darren Lehmann, and Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg underscore his legacy.
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The cricket world has rallied with prayers and messages, reflecting Martyn's impact despite his low-profile post-retirement life. Meningitis, whether bacterial or viral, requires urgent care to prevent complications like brain swelling; Martyn is receiving top treatment. As updates remain limited to protect privacy, Gilchrist's optimistic note offers hope amid the gravity of his induced coma state.
No major changes reported since Gilchrist's update; hospital sources reiterate "serious but stable." Fans and peers continue sending support, with Cricket Australia expressing solidarity. Martyn's recovery remains the focus as the new year begins.
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