New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) After being released from the hospital following a serious bout of meningitis, renowned Australian cricketer Damien Martyn provided an update on his health, revealing that he has begun walking after a time when "my life was taken out of my hands" due to meningitis affecting his brain.

Martyn, who played in 67 Test matches for Australia, contracted meningitis on Boxing Day and was hospitalized on the Gold Coast. He was placed in an induced coma for eight days to aid his recovery. Fortunately, he awoke from the coma earlier this month, regained his ability to speak, and was later discharged from the hospital.

"On December 27, 2025, my life was taken out of my hands… when meningitis took over my brain. Unbeknownst to me, I was placed into a paralyzed coma for eight days to help combat this dreadful illness. And that I did! I fought!…"

"Given a 50/50 chance of survival, I emerged from the induced coma after eight days… unable to walk or talk. Yet, just four days later, much to the doctors' disbelief, I was walking and talking. I convinced them I was ready to leave the hospital and begin my recovery," Martyn shared on social media.

"I'm thrilled to be home, to feel the sand beneath my feet at the beach, and to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me and my family during this challenging time. This experience has highlighted how fragile life is, how rapidly everything can change, and how invaluable time is!"

"There are countless wonderful people in this world—from the paramedics at Mermaid Waters Ambulance, the doctors and nurses at Gold Coast University Hospital, to my family, friends, and even strangers who reached out with messages of love and support. I feel fortunate to have encountered these amazing individuals over the last three weeks," he concluded.

Martyn played a crucial role in Australia's victory in the 2003 ODI World Cup final against India, scoring an unbeaten 88 while batting with a broken finger and forming a vital 234-run partnership with captain Ricky Ponting.

He was also part of the winning team in the 1999 ODI World Cup and the 2006 Champions Trophy. Throughout his career, Martyn accumulated 4,406 runs in Test matches at an average of 46.37.

In addition, he played in 208 ODIs, amassing 5,346 runs at an average of 40.90, with a top score of 144 not out. His remarkable performance of 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final, despite his injury, remains unforgettable.