Bad news for star cricketer, who was India and Sourav Ganguly’s nemesis in the 2003 ODI World Cup final, he is battling for life due to…
Team India and their fans still have bitter memories about the 2003 ODI World Cup final at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. While Australian captain Ricky Ponting set the platform for the massive win in the final over Sourav Ganguly’s Indian side, the win would not have been possible without the support of legendary Damien Martyn.
The star Australia cricketer put of a massive partnership of 234 unbeaten runs with his captain Ponting, who went on to score 140 off 121 balls. While Martyn missed out on a century – remaining unbeaten on 88 off 84 balls – his partnership powered Australia to a massive score of 359 for 2 and set up their 125-run win over Team India.
There is some heartbreaking news for the cricket fans as Martyn is battling for his life and is admitted in a Queensland hospital suffering from meningitis. Martyn fell ill on Boxing Day with news emerging on Tuesday evening of his condition and he is currently in an induced coma, according to ESPNCricinfo website.
Former players started to take to social media on Wednesday in support. “Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx,” Darren Lehmann posted on X, formally Twitter.
Indian cricket legend VVS Laxman as sent his wishes for Martyn, writing, “Sending strength and prayers to my dear friend @damienmartyn and his family. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. The entire cricket world stands with you Matto during this tough time”.
Sending strength and prayers to my dear friend @damienmartyn and his family. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. The entire cricket world stands with you Matto during this tough time
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 31, 2025
Speaking on behalf of Martyn’s family, his close friend Adam Gilchrist said: “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.”
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said: “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.”
Martyn turned out in 67 Tests for Australia from 1992 to 2006. He was recalled to the side in 2000 after six years on the sidelines and became a key figure in Steve Waugh’s world-beating side. He retired in 2006 midway through that year’s Ashes series, finishing his Test career with 4,406 runs at 46.37 including 13 centuries.
He was also part of the Australia side that won the 2003 ODI World Cup and overall scored 5,346 runs at 40.80 in the format with five centuries. After briefly working as a commentator, Martyn chose to keep a low profile.
Born in Darwin, the right-hander earned a Test debut at 21, replacing the late Dean Jones in the 1992-93 home series against West Indies and was Western Australia’s captain at 23. He was player of the series the last time Australia won an away series in India, top scoring in four of Australia’s eight innings in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy battle.