Cricket legend Damien Martyn is put into a coma as he battles the killer disease meningitis in 'the fight of his life'
The 54-year-old veteran of 67 Test matches was rushed to a Brisbane hospital after falling ill on Boxing Day.
By SHAYNE BUGDEN, SPORTS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA
Published: 22:47 GMT, 30 December 2025 | Updated: 01:03 GMT, 31 December 2025
Damien Martyn is in an induced coma in hospital as he battles the killer disease meningitis.
The former batter was rushed to a Brisbane hospital in a serious condition after falling ill on Boxing Day.
Martyn was put into the coma while suffering from meningitis, which inflames the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can lead to swelling on the brain, sources with knowledge of the situation told the Sydney Morning Herald.
It is hoped that the 54-year-old can be brought out of the coma over the course of the next few days, the sources said.
AFL legend Brad Hardie sent his 'thoughts and prayers' to Martyn and his family during his late-night radio broadcast on 6PR on Tuesday.
'Damien Martyn, the champ from WA, fantastic batsman ... unfortunately took ill on Boxing Day and is currently residing in a Queensland hospital and he is in for the fight of his life,' Hardie said.
Aussie cricket great Damien Martyn (pictured right with former prime minister John Howard) is battling the deadly disease meningitis in the 'fight of his life'
The former batting sensation (pictured) has been placed in an induced coma as he battles the infection, which can cause swelling on the brain
Sports stars including Martyn's former teammate Darren Lehmann have sent messages of support after he was rushed to hospital
'I'd like everybody to certainly have their best wishes and positive thoughts for Marto. God give him strength.
'Let's hope he can pull through because it's really serious.'
Martyn's former teammate Darren Lehmann posted a message of support on X as the news broke.
'Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx,' Lehmann wrote.
And another former teammate of Martyn's, Adam Gilchrist, provided an update on behalf of the star's family.
'He is getting the best of treatment and [Martyn's partner] Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes,' Gilchrist said.
It comes as Martyn had taken to X on Christmas Eve to share his excitement about Australia's fourth Ashes Test at the MCG.
'If the old brigade could play again, then this would be it,' he wrote, adding a picture of the MCG.