Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has released his first statement after waking from an eight-day coma, sharing details of his recovery and thanking supporters.
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Martyn fell seriously ill on Christmas Day due to a severe fever, which rapidly worsened and forced doctors to place him in a coma at a Brisbane hospital’s ICU. On December 27, he said, “my life was taken away from me,” and he fought for survival in a critical condition. Doctors reportedly gave him only a 50/50 chance of making it through.
This post is A BIG thank you to ALL my family, friends and so many other people who have reached out to me!
On the 27th of December 2025 my life was taken out of my hands…when meningitis took over my brain, & unbeknownst to me I was placed into a paralysed coma for 8 days to… pic.twitter.com/3Mt3DS6MZY
— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) January 17, 2026
After emerging from the coma, Martyn initially struggled to walk or speak. Remarkably, within just four days, he began to regain mobility and speech, surprising his medical team. “This experience reminded me how fragile life is,” he said, posting a photo of himself standing on a beach. “Everything can change in an instant, and time is precious. Get ready for 2026… I’m back.”
The former cricketer expressed immense joy at returning home and feeling the sand beneath his feet. He also thanked everyone who supported him and his family during the ordeal, calling the encouragement “invaluable.”
Martyn represented Australia in 67 Test matches, 208 One-Day Internationals, and four T20 matches. He was a key member of Australia’s 2003 World Cup-winning squad and remains a respected figure in the cricketing community.
Fans and fellow players have sent their best wishes online, celebrating Martyn’s speedy recovery. The 49-year-old’s resilience and positive outlook have inspired many, highlighting the unpredictable nature of health challenges and the value of family and community support.
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Martyn’s statement marks an encouraging step toward his full recovery, with the cricket world watching closely as he returns to everyday life after his near-fatal illness