Adam Gilchrist shares big news on Damien Martyn after meningitis scare

Advertisement

Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has shared a positive update on Damien Martyn, who was recently hospitalised after being diagnosed with meningitis.

Martyn has now been discharged from hospital and is recovering well, according to ESPNcricinfo. The 54-year-old was admitted to the Gold Coast University Hospital on December 27 after falling seriously ill on Boxing Day and was placed in an induced coma. He later woke up and continued to make steady progress during his hospital stay.

Gilchrist, a long-time teammate of Martyn, shared the update ahead of Day 5 of the SCG Test, stating that while Martyn has made an impressive recovery, it is still a long road ahead.

“A quick update on Damien Martyn. He’s home. He’s out of hospital and has made an amazing recovery. He still has a bit of a journey to go and a bit to work through, but fortunately he’s been allowed to go home and complete that recovery,” Gilchrist said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“He just wanted to pass on to the cricketing world thank you so much for the love, care and support and interest in his well-being. Not that long ago he was in an induced coma, but now he’s at home and recovering.”

Martyn represented Australia in 67 Tests, 208 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and four T20 Internationals between 1992 and 2006 and is widely regarded as one of the finest finishers in ODI cricket history.

Earlier, on January 3, Martyn’s partner Amanda also provided a health update, thanking supporters and requesting privacy for the family during a difficult period.

“Damien is progressing well with his medical treatment. We also want to express our deepest appreciation to the medical team at Gold Coast University Hospital, who have been nothing short of amazing throughout this challenging time. This has been a trying time, and the family ask that you respect their privacy,” she said, as quoted by The West Australian.

Following news of his illness, Martyn’s former Australian teammate and ex-head coach Darren Lehmann also sent his wishes via social media.

“Lots of love and prayers are being sent Damien Martyn’s way. Keep strong and fighting, legend,” Lehmann wrote on X.

Among Martyn’s most memorable achievements is his Player of the Series performance in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, which helped Australia secure their first Test series win in India since 1969. Another iconic moment came in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup final in Johannesburg, where he batted with a broken index finger and put on an unbroken 234-run partnership with captain Ricky Ponting against India.