Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has been discharged from hospital following a life-threatening battle with meningitis, completing a remarkable turnaround that has been described by former teammates as nothing short of a miracle. The positive update has brought immense relief to the Australian cricket community, which had been anxiously monitoring the health of one of its most admired batters.
Martyn, now 54, was rushed to a hospital on the Gold Coast on December 26 after falling seriously ill with meningitis — a dangerous condition caused by inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. His health deteriorated rapidly, forcing doctors to place him in an induced coma as he received round-the-clock treatment in the intensive care unit.
At the time, those close to the former Australia star feared the worst, with reports suggesting he was fighting for his life. After spending several days in a critical state, Martyn began showing encouraging signs of recovery last week when he awoke from the coma. He soon started responding and speaking, a development that lifted the spirits of his family, friends, and former teammates.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma’s Training Video Stuns Fans Ahead Of India vs New Zealand ODIs
Following steady improvement, Martyn has now been discharged from hospital and returned home, where he will continue his recovery under medical supervision. The encouraging update was confirmed by former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who spoke about Martyn’s condition during commentary on Kayo Sports amid the fifth Ashes Test. Gilchrist revealed that Martyn’s family were deeply grateful for the outpouring of support they received during the difficult period.
Damien Martyn has been released from hospital after waking from an induced coma.
Martyn was rushed to hospital in late December amid a bout of meningitis, an infection and swelling of fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
The 54-year-old former Australian… pic.twitter.com/PokAh1JiNL
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) January 8, 2026
“It’s terrific and wonderful to know he’s back home, and his family express their gratitude and thanks for all the support,” Adam Gilchrist said. He also praised the swift actions of emergency responders, noting that the ambulance officers who first attended Martyn played a crucial role in stabilising him. “The word from the medical staff was that they couldn’t have done it any more perfectly, which helped nip the infection in the bud.”
WATCH – Lungi Ngidi Creates History With First-Ever Hat-Trick In SA20 Thriller
While the immediate danger has passed, Gilchrist stressed that Martyn’s recovery journey is ongoing. Former Australian batter Mark Waugh echoed those sentiments, describing the improvement as extraordinary given how serious the situation had been. “It’s almost a miracle, really. He was in really bad shape in the ICU,” Waugh said.
A revered figure in Australian cricket, Martyn represented his country in 67 Tests and 208 ODIs during one of its most dominant eras. He played key roles in Australia’s World Cup triumphs in 1999 and 2003, topped the run charts in the 2006 Champions Trophy, and was instrumental in Australia’s historic Test series win in India, finishing as the leading run-scorer. His recovery has been welcomed as uplifting news for the global cricket fraternity.
