Cricket Star Walks 4 Days After Waking From Meningitis Coma

When Damien Martyn collapsed from meningitis on December 27, doctors placed him in an induced coma and told his family to prepare for the worst. Eight days later, he woke up unable to walk or talk.

Then something remarkable happened. Within four days, the former Australian cricket star was not only walking and talking, but insisting doctors let him go home to continue his recovery. Medical staff watched in disbelief as he defied every expectation.

Martyn, who played 67 Tests for Australia and helped win the 2003 World Cup, shared his gratitude on social media this week. "My life was taken out of my hands when meningitis took over my brain," he wrote, thanking the paramedics, doctors, nurses, family, and friends who supported him through the ordeal.

Meningitis causes dangerous swelling around the brain and spinal cord, often with devastating consequences. The infection can progress rapidly, making every hour critical for treatment and survival.

Why This Inspires

Martyn's recovery reminds us that the human body can surprise even the most experienced doctors. His determination to fight back after waking paralyzed shows the same grit that made him one of cricket's most elegant batsmen. Former teammates like Adam Gilchrist called the turnaround "some sort of miracle," and the cricket community rallied around him with messages from legends including VVS Laxman and Michael Clarke.

Now back home on Australia's Gold Coast, Martyn is focusing on simple joys he once took for granted. "So happy to be home, to be able to put my feet in the sand on the beach," he wrote, reflecting on how quickly life can change and how precious every moment truly is.

The experience has given him a new perspective on the fragility of life and the power of community support. Strangers reached out alongside longtime friends, creating a network of care that helped carry his family through the darkest days.

Martyn's recovery continues, but his rapid progress has already given hope to countless families facing similar medical crises.