Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has shared a reassuring update on the health of his longtime teammate Damien Martyn, who is currently receiving treatment for meningitis at a hospital in Queensland.
Martyn, 54, fell seriously ill on Boxing Day and was later placed in an induced coma as doctors monitored his condition. The news sent a wave of concern through the cricketing world, given Martyn’s stature as one of Australia’s finest batters from their dominant era of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Speaking on FOX Cricket, Gilchrist said Martyn remains hospitalised but showed cautious optimism about his progress. “He is still in hospital, but in the last 24 hours there have been some encouraging signs coming from the tests he’s undergoing,” Gilchrist said. He also acknowledged the overwhelming support pouring in from fans and former teammates, describing Martyn as “a fine player and a terrific person.”
Health officials from Gold Coast University Hospital confirmed that Martyn’s condition is still serious, though he continues to receive intensive medical care.
Martyn’s cricketing legacy remains immense. Over a career spanning from 1992 to 2006, he represented Australia in 67 Tests, 208 One-Day Internationals, and four T20Is. Renowned for his elegant stroke play and calm temperament, he amassed over 4,400 Test runs at an average exceeding 46, alongside more than 5,300 ODI runs at an average of nearly 41.
He was also a key figure in Australia’s major triumphs, winning ICC Cricket World Cups in 1999 and 2003. His unbeaten 88 in the 2003 final against India remains one of the most memorable innings in World Cup history. Martyn further enhanced his reputation as a big-match performer during Australia’s historic 2004 Test series win in India and the 2006 Champions Trophy.
As the cricket community continues to rally behind him, Gilchrist summed up the collective sentiment: hope that Martyn’s recovery continues in the right direction.
