Australian Test great Damien Martyn has woken from an induced coma following meningitis, with ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist calling it “a miracle” on Sunday.
Martyn, 54, who played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006 and 208 one-day internationals (ODIs), fell seriously ill late last month and was rushed to hospital.
The former batsman was diagnosed with meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
“It’s been an incredible turn of events in the last 48 hours,” Gilchrist said.
“He is now able to speak and respond to treatment.
“He has responded extraordinarily well since coming out of the coma to the point where his family feels it’s kind of a miracle.”
Martyn needs to be moved out of the intensive care unit at the Gold Coast University Hospital.
A who’s who of cricket greats have sent messages of support over the past week, including former England captain Michael Vaughan and India legends Ravichandran Ashwin and VVS Laxman.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousaf was among those wishing Martyn a speedy recovery.
“As a fellow cricketer, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this incredibly difficult time. I wish you strength, courage and a full recovery. The world of cricket stands with you,” he wrote in a post on X.
Known as one of the game’s great batsmen, Martyn became a key figure in Steve Waugh’s all-powerful Australian side, hitting 13 centuries and averaging 46.37.
He was also part of the Australian team that won the 2003 ODI World Cup, making 88 not out in the final against India in a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting.
Martyn retired in 2006 during the Ashes series and had kept a low profile since.
