Australian great Damien Martyn has woken up from an induced coma following meningitis, with former 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 slugger 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.
“Now he can talk and respond to treatment.
“He has responded extraordinarily well since coming out of the coma to the point where his family feels it is some kind of miracle.”
Martyn will be released from intensive care at Gold Coast University Hospital.
A who’s who of cricket greats have posted messages of support over the past week, including former England captain Michael Vaughan and Indian legends Ravichandran Ashwin and VVS Laxman.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousaf was among those who wished Martyn a speedy recovery.
“As a fellow cricketer, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. I wish you strength, courage and a full recovery. The world of cricket is with you,” he wrote in a post on X.
Known as one of the game’s great stroke-makers, Martyn became a key figure in Steve Waugh’s all-powerful Australian team, hitting 13 centuries and averaging 46.37.
He was also part of the Australia team that won the 2003 ODI World Cup, making 88 not out in the final against India in a winning partnership with Ricky Ponting.
Martyn retired in 2006 during the Ashes series and has kept a low profile since.
