Former Australia batting stalwart Damien Martyn has returned home and begun the next phase of his recovery after surviving a life-threatening battle with meningitis, an ordeal that saw him placed in an induced coma for eight days late last year. The former cricketer shared an emotional update on social media, revealing the sheer gravity of the situation and thanking the countless people who played a role in what many have described as a miraculous recovery.
Martyn was hospitalised at the Gold Coast University Hospital in December after suddenly falling ill with meningitis, a serious condition that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. As his condition rapidly deteriorated, doctors were forced to place him in a paralysed, induced coma to give his body the best chance to fight the infection. At one stage, Martyn was reportedly given only a 50/50 chance of survival.
“On the 27th of December 2025, my life was taken out of my hands,” Damien Martyn wrote in a heartfelt message. “Meningitis took over my brain, and unbeknownst to me, I was placed into a paralysed coma for eight days to help me fight this awful disease. And fight I did.”
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The former Australian batter revealed that when he eventually emerged from the coma, the challenges were far from over. He was initially unable to walk or speak, a frightening reality that underlined how close he had come to losing everything. However, true to the resilience he showed throughout his cricketing career, Martyn stunned doctors with the speed of his recovery.
“After being given a 50/50 chance of surviving, I came out of the coma not able to walk or talk,” he said. “Yet just four days later, with the doctors in disbelief, I walked, I talked, and proved why I should be released from hospital to begin my recovery.”
This post is A BIG thank you to ALL my family, friends and so many other people who have reached out to me!
On the 27th of December 2025 my life was taken out of my hands…when meningitis took over my brain, & unbeknownst to me I was placed into a paralysed coma for 8 days to… pic.twitter.com/3Mt3DS6MZY
— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) January 17, 2026
Now back at home, Martyn described the simple joy of putting his feet in the sand and reconnecting with life outside hospital walls. He reflected on how the experience has reshaped his perspective, reminding him of life’s fragility and the value of time.
One of the most elegant batters of his era, Martyn enjoyed a distinguished international career, representing Australia in 67 Tests, 208 ODIs and four T20Is. He was a key member of Australia’s dominant 2003 World Cup-winning side, memorably scoring an unbeaten 88 in the final against India in partnership with Ricky Ponting.
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News of Martyn’s illness prompted an outpouring of support from across the cricketing world. Former teammates and rivals, including Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, VVS Laxman and Michael Vaughan, sent messages of encouragement during his hospital stay. Gilchrist earlier described Martyn’s recovery as “nothing short of a miracle,” highlighting how rapidly he responded to treatment after coming out of the coma.
Martyn closed his message by expressing gratitude to paramedics, doctors, nurses, family, friends and even strangers who reached out with love and support. As he continues his recovery at home, the cricket community will take immense comfort in seeing one of the game’s finest stylists back on his feet, embracing life with renewed appreciation.
