Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 17: Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has shared an emotional health update after being discharged from hospital following a severe bout of meningitis, revealing that he has begun walking again after narrowly surviving the illness.

Martyn, who played 67 Test matches for Australia, fell seriously ill on Boxing Day and was rushed to hospital on the Gold Coast, where doctors placed him in an induced coma to combat the infection. He regained consciousness earlier this month, gradually relearned to speak, and has now returned home to continue his recovery.

In a heartfelt social media post, Martyn described how the illness abruptly took control of his life. He said meningitis overtook his brain, leading doctors to place him in a paralysed coma for eight days as part of life-saving treatment. Given only a 50 per cent chance of survival, Martyn said he fought through the ordeal and emerged from the coma unable to walk or talk.

Remarkably, just days later, he began to recover at a pace that surprised his medical team. Within four days, he was walking and speaking again, convincing doctors that he was strong enough to be discharged and begin rehabilitation at home.

Expressing gratitude after returning home, Martyn said he was thankful to feel sand beneath his feet at the beach and to finally acknowledge the overwhelming support he and his family received during the ordeal. He reflected on how the experience underscored the fragility of life and the value of time.

Martyn paid tribute to paramedics, doctors, nurses, family, friends, and even strangers who offered messages of encouragement and care, saying their support played a vital role in his recovery.

Widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest middle-order batters, Martyn was a key figure in the country’s golden era. He played a pivotal role in Australia’s 2003 ODI World Cup triumph, scoring an unbeaten 88 in the final against India despite batting with a broken finger and forging a decisive partnership with captain Ricky Ponting.

He was also part of Australia’s victorious 1999 World Cup and 2006 Champions Trophy squads. Over his career, Martyn amassed 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.37 and scored 5,346 runs in 208 ODIs at an average of 40.90, with a highest score of 144 not out.

As he begins the long road to full recovery, Martyn’s account stands as a powerful testament to resilience, medical care, and the impact of collective support in the face of a life-threatening illness.