Who Is Damien Martyn? All About The Ex-Aussie Cricketer's Family And Net Worth As He Remains In Coma

Former Australian batter Damien Martyn was recently placed in an induced coma following a diagnosis of meningitis. The 54-year-old, who reportedly fell ill on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, was rushed to a Brisbane hospital on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025. Doctors are calling his condition serious.

Widely regarded as one of the most elegant batters of his generation, Damien Martyn is now fighting for his health. The former Australian cricketer retired abruptly from international cricket in December 2006 after featuring in the Ashes series against England. Since then, he has largely stayed out of the public eye, which is why news of his sudden health crisis has sent shockwaves through the cricket community.

What happened to Damien Martyn, and why is he in a coma?

Martyn was rushed to the Gold Coast University Hospital in Queensland, Australia, after his health worsened from meningitis-related complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, meningitis is inflammation of the fluid and membranes around the spinal cord and brain, called the meninges, which triggers symptoms such as “headache, fever, and a stiff neck”. However, it can prove fatal if not treated immediately.

According to reports, Martyn’s meningitis infection has become aggressive. Given the severity of his condition, the doctors put him into an induced coma to prevent further complications and improve the effectiveness of his treatment. Former AFL star Brad Hardie, speaking on his radio show with Perth's 6PR station, told listeners to pray for the beloved ‘Marto’:

“Damien Martyn, the champ from WA, fantastic batsman … unfortunately took ill on Boxing Day and currently is residing in a Queensland hospital, and he is in for the fight of his life. I’d like everybody to certainly have their best wishes and positive thoughts for Marto. God give him strength. Let’s hope he can pull through because it’s really serious.”

Who is Damien Martyn?

Damien Martyn was one of the most prominent names in international cricket during the late 1990s and early 2000s, regarded as a quiet pillar of Australia’s golden era. Between 1992 and 2006, the former batter played a total of 67 Test matches, scoring 4,406 runs at an average of 46.37, alongside 208 One Day Internationals. In his short yet brilliant cricket career, Martyn was part of Australia’s winning teams at World Cups in 1999 and 2003. 

Born in Darwin in 1971, Martyn made his Test debut at just 21, replacing Dean Jones, and was captaining Western Australia by 23. Early expectations weighed heavily on him, and his career stalled briefly before he reinvented himself as a calmer, more disciplined batter. That transformation defined the second half of his career and cemented his reputation as one of Australia’s most reliable middle-order players.

During Australia’s 2003 ODI World Cup, Martyn scored an unbeaten 88 in the final against India and sharing a 234-run partnership with Ricky Ponting. When he left cricket after the second Ashes Test in Adelaide in 2006, his ODI career ended with 5,346 runs at 40.80, including five centuries. Martyn surprised many by joining the Indian Cricket League and later made a brief return to the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals in 2010. 

Personal life, family, and net worth

Ever since he walked away from the field, Damien Martyn has largely steered clear of the media glare. In his personal life, the former cricketer is married to Lucy-Pascale Martyn, whom he married in 2014 after divorcing Annika Martyn (formerly McNamara), with whom he shares two children, a son, Ryder, and a daughter, Taylor. As of 2025, Martyn’s net worth is estimated to be around USD 6 million.

Recent reports say Damien’s partner, Amanda Ward, along with his family, remains by his side as he receives treatment for meningitis. His former Western Australia and Australia teammate, Adam Gilchrist, has shared updates on his condition on the family's behalf. He said:

“He [Damien Martyn] 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.”

As one of Australia’s most graceful and respected cricketers fights a life-threatening illness, the cricket community continues to rally behind Damien Martyn, united in hope for his recovery.

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