2003 World Cup winner Damien Martyn hospitalised with meningitis

Damien Martyn is in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 2003 World Cup winner's condition worsened on Boxing Day and is admitted to a hospital in Queensland.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Todd Greenberg expressed concern over the development and wished Martyn a speedy recovery.

"I'm saddened to hear of Damien's illness. The best wishes of everyone at CA and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time," Greenberg was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Former Australia wicket-keeper, a three-time World Cup-winner, and a close friend of Martyn, Adam Gilchrist confirmed that he "is getting the best of treatment".

"He is getting the best of treatment and [Martyn's partner] Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes," Gilchrist was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Martyn's teammate and former Australia head coach, Darren Lehmann, also shared a heartfelt message for him on X.

"Lots of love and prayers sending  @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx ."

Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way . Keep strong and fighting legend . Love to the family xxx 🙏 ❤️

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) December 30, 2025

Damien Martyn's illustrious playing career

After his impressive run for Western Australia in the domestic circuit, Martyn made his Test debut on November 27, 1992, against the West Indies in Brisbane.

After playing a string of Tests, he was dropped from the red-ball team, following a five-run loss to South Africa in the SCG Test in January 1994, and was not picked for six years, despite piling the runs in domestic cricket.

He returned to Australia's Test squad in March 2000 and cemented his place in the middle order. Martyn played a pivotal role in helping Australia win (2-1) an elusive Test series in India in 2004/05, aggregating 444 runs across eight innings at a stellar average of 55.50, including two hundreds and as many fifties.

He finished his Test career with 4406 runs in 67 games at an average of 46.37, including 13 hundreds and 23 half-centuries.

The right-handed batter represented the Kangaroos in 208 ODIs and played a major role in guiding them to the 2003 World Cup. Despite a broken index finger on his right hand, Martyn played a match-winning 84-ball 88* to help Australia sink India by 125 runs in the summit clash. He finished his ODI career with 5346 runs at 40.80, including five tons and 37 fifties.