Australian cricket great diagnosed with meningitis
Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn fell into a coma in a Queensland hospital after being diagnosed with meningitis.
The 54-year-old player, who played 67 Tests for Australia between 1992 and 2006, was hospitalized last week after falling ill.
Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn. Credit: Getty Images
Cricket sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said Martyn was being treated for meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Infection can cause swelling of the brain.
There are hopes that Martyn may be woken from his coma in the coming days, but his condition is being monitored closely.
Martyn’s former Australian teammate Darren Lehmann wrote about X: “Sending lots of love and prayers to @damienmartyn. Stay strong and be a fighting legend. Love to the family xxx.”
Considered one of Australia’s most talented batsmen, Martyn scored 4406 Test runs at an average of 46.37. He debuted as a 21-year-old against the West Indies in 1992 and retired after the second Test of the 2006–07 Ashes series in Adelaide.
Martyn remained unbeaten in 88 runs off 84 balls in the 2003 ODI Cricket World Cup.
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