Former Australia cricketer Damien Martyn has been hospitalised in Brisbane and has been placed in an induced coma after a meningitis diagnosis. He was admitted to the hospital on Boxing Day last week after he fell seriously ill. Meningitis can prove to be fatal at times and is caused due to a severe inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. However, there is hope that Martyn can be brought backk from his coma in the coming days.
Gilchrist wishes a speedy recovery for Martyn
Martyn's former teammate and close friend Adam Gilchrist sent his prayers for him and said that he is receiving the best possible 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 said, speaking to News Corp.
Cricket Australia (CA) chief Todd Greenberg also 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 said.
Martyn's numbers in international cricket
Martyn featured in a total of 67 Tests, 208 ODIs and 4 T20Is for Australia during his playing career that started in 1992 and came to an end in 2006. He was known for his classy strokeplay and was dominant in both red-ball and one-day cricket. He has 4406 runs under his name in Tests and 5346 runs under his belt in ODIs. He hit a total of 18 international centuries and 61 half-centuries.
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Martyn was a key figure in the Australian side that lifted the 2003 ODI World Cup. He played a superb knock of 88 runs and formed a massive 234-run partnership alongside Ricky Ponting as they posted a total of 359/2 on the board in the final against India. In reply, Sourav Ganguly & Co. got bowled out for 234 runs as the Baggy Greens won the match comprehensively by 125 runs. Martyn announced his international retirement in 2006 during the Ashes and mostly maintained a low profile after that.