Former Australian cricket star Damien Martyn has delivered a powerful and emotional update, declaring "I'm back" after a terrifying health scare that saw him placed in an induced coma with only a 50 per cent chance of survival.
A Life-Threatening Diagnosis
The 54-year-old cricket legend was admitted to a Gold Coast intensive care unit on December 27 after being diagnosed with meningitis, a severe infection causing swelling around the brain and spinal cord. His condition deteriorated so rapidly that doctors made the critical decision to place him into a paralysed, induced coma to help his body fight the disease.
Martyn, in a heartfelt social media post, revealed the gravity of his situation. "My life was taken out of my hands…when meningitis took over my brain," he wrote. The former batsman was given just a 50/50 chance of surviving the ordeal as he lay fighting for his life in the Gold Coast University Hospital.
A Remarkable Turnaround
After eight agonising days in the coma, Martyn finally awoke. The initial aftermath was brutally challenging; he found himself unable to walk or talk. However, in a recovery that left his medical team astonished, he began speaking and moving just four days later.
"I came out of the induced coma 8 days later…not able to walk or talk," Martyn recounted. "[I spoke and moved] with the doctors in disbelief." This swift and unexpected progress marked a dramatic turning point in his battle against the illness.
A New Perspective and Profound Thanks
The near-death experience has profoundly changed the cricketer's outlook. "This experience has reminded me of how fragile life is, how quickly everything can change & how precious time is!" he shared. Looking ahead with renewed vigour, Martyn boldly declared: "Bring on 2026 …I'm back!"
He extended his immense gratitude to the many people who supported him during the crisis. Martyn specifically thanked the paramedics from Mermaid Waters Ambulance and the doctors and nurses at Gold Coast University Hospital, alongside his family, friends, and countless well-wishers who sent messages of love.
Darwin-born Martyn enjoyed a distinguished international career. He earned his Test debut at 21, replacing Dean Jones against the West Indies in the 1992/93 series. A stylish middle-order batsman, he scored 13 Test centuries, with a highest score of 165 against New Zealand in 2005, maintaining an impressive average of 46.37. He was also a World Cup winner in 2003, scoring an unbeaten 88 in the final against India, and played 208 ODIs in total.
