Former Australia batsman Damien Martyn has revealed he was given only a 50/50 chance of survival after falling seriously ill with meningitis last month.
The 54-year-old became unwell in late December and was placed in an induced coma for eight days to help doctors fight the infection. He woke up last week, has since left hospital, and shared an update on Saturday thanking medical staff, family and supporters.
Martyn said the illness came on suddenly and left his life “out of his hands” as meningitis affected his brain. While in hospital, he was put into a paralysed coma without his knowledge so doctors could treat the disease.
After waking up, he initially could not walk or talk, but made a rapid recovery. Just four days later, doctors were amazed as he was able to walk and speak again, leading to his release from hospital to continue recovery at home.
Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord and can be fatal within hours if not treated quickly.
Martyn said he is grateful to be home, enjoying simple things like walking on the beach, and thanked paramedics, doctors, nurses, family, friends and strangers who sent messages of support. He described the experience as a reminder of how fragile life is and how quickly everything can change.
“Bring on 2026. I’m back!” he said.
Martyn played 67 Test matches for Australia between 1992 and 2006, scoring 4,406 runs, including 13 centuries. He also won two One-Day World Cups and famously scored an unbeaten 88 in the 2003 World Cup final, despite batting with a broken finger. He finished his international career in 2006 and also played county cricket for Yorkshire.
