Former Australian batsman Damien Martyn has slipped into a coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 54-year-old former batsman, who played 67 Test matches between 1992 and 2006, reportedly fell ill on Friday and was immediately rushed to hospital. He had scored 88 runs with a broken finger in the 2003 World Cup final, helping Australia win the title.
Martin’s close friend and former Australian and WA teammate Adam Gilchrist confirmed on behalf of his family that the 2003 World Cup winner is receiving treatment in hospital. “He is receiving the best possible treatment and (Martin’s partner) Amanda and his family know that many people are sending their prayers and well wishes,” Gilchrist was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and the infection can cause dangerous brain swelling. Martin’s condition is being closely monitored. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that it is hoped he will be brought out of his coma in the coming days.
The governing body’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, said in a statement: “I am saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and the wider cricket community are with him at this time.” Martin was Player of the Series when Australia last won a series in India, leading the run-scorer in four of Australia’s eight innings in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
He played his last Test in Australia’s famous victory at the Adelaide Oval in the 2006–07 Ashes series, before abruptly retiring before the third Test of their 5–0 clean sweep of England. During his career, he scored 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.37.
Martyn also played 208 ODIs, scoring 5,346 runs at an average of 40.90, with a highest score of 144 not out. He famously scored 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final, batting with a broken finger, and shared a formidable partnership with captain Ricky Ponting as Australia defeated India.