Damien Martyn: Former Australia batter had ’50/50′ chance of survival

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can appear suddenly and can kill within a few hours if not treated quickly.

Alongside his statement, Martyn also posted a photo of himself on the beach, saying, “I’m so happy to be home, where I can put my feet in the sand at the beach and start thanking everyone who has reached out to me and my family with their unwavering support.” he added.

“This experience reminded me how fragile life is, how quickly things can change, and how precious time is!

“There are so many wonderful people in this world, from paramedics (at Mermaid Waters Ambulance), doctors and nurses (at Gold Coast University Hospital) to family, friends and people I don’t know.

“I feel like I’ve met all these wonderful people in the last three weeks or have reached out to me with messages of love and support. I’m so grateful to you all. Thank you! Bring on 2026. I’m back!”

Martyn, who made his Test debut at the age of 21, played in four Ashes series before retiring in 2006, averaging 46.37 in 4,406 Test runs, including 13 centuries.

He also won two one-day World Cups, and in the 2003 World Cup final Martyn – batting with a broken finger – made an unbeaten score of 88 as Australia defeated India.

Overall he scored 5,346 runs in ODIs at an average of 40, including five hundreds.

He also represented Yorkshire as an overseas player in 2003.