Revived and Ready: Damien Martyn Sets Sights on 2026 After Meningitis Battle

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn expressed gratitude on social media for the support he received from family and friends following his remarkable recovery from meningitis. On Saturday, Martyn posted on social media for the first time since his hospitalization due to the illness.

The 54-year-old was hospitalized last month after falling ill and was diagnosed with meningitis, a serious inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. To aid his recovery, Martyn was placed in an induced coma for over a week.

In a heartfelt message on X (formerly known as Twitter), Martyn wrote, “This post is a big thank you to all my family, friends, and so many others who reached out to me!”

He recounted his ordeal, explaining, “On December 27, 2025, my life was taken out of my hands…when meningitis took over my brain, & I was placed into a paralysed coma for 8 days to help me fight this awful disease. And that I did! Fight, that is!”

Martyn shared that he was given a 50/50 chance of survival but defied the odds. After emerging from the coma unable to walk or talk, he astonished doctors by walking and talking just four days later, paving the way for his release from the hospital to begin recovery.

Throughout his cricket career from 1992 to 2006, Martyn played 67 Tests, 208 ODIs, and four T20Is for Australia. Renowned as one of cricket’s finest stroke-makers, he was pivotal in Steve Waugh’s dominant Test side, scoring 13 centuries and maintaining an average of 46.37. In the 2003 ODI World Cup, Martyn played a crucial role, scoring 88 not out in the final to secure victory alongside Ricky Ponting.

Martyn retired during the 2006 Ashes series and has since maintained a low profile.

Published on January 17, 2026.