Damien Martyn awake from coma in ‘unbelievable’ recovery from meningitis
Damien Martyn is now awake and conversing, just one week after being placed in an induced coma at a Gold Coast hospital due to meningitis. The 54-year-old has started communicating with friends and family, including former teammate Adam Gilchrist, and is reportedly touched by the support he has received. “It’s been an unbelievable turn of events in the last 48 hours,” Gilchrist remarked in a statement. “He is now able to talk and respond to treatment. His response has been exceptionally positive since waking up from the coma to the extent that his family feels it’s akin to a miracle. “The progress has been so encouraging that they are optimistic about him possibly moving out of the ICU and into another section of the hospital, showcasing the remarkable speed of his recovery.”Martyn, a skilled right-handed batsman with 67 Test appearances, suddenly fell ill late last month and was taken to a Gold Coast hospital, where he is currently located. Just days before, on Christmas Eve, Martyn had been active on social media discussing the ongoing Ashes series before succumbing to meningitis — an infection that causes inflammation of the fluids and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.Gilchrist, VVS Laxman, and Michael Vaughan were among the cricket legends who offered their well-wishes. “He’s in good spirits and is truly grateful for the support he’s received. There is still some ongoing treatment and monitoring required, but the outlook is bright,” Gilchrist shared. “His wife, Amanda, wishes to express that she firmly believes the affection, goodwill, and care shown to them from everyone — through messages and media coverage — has indeed played a crucial role in his recovery,” he added. “They feel fortunate that so many people have rallied to support him during this challenging time. “He will continue to receive treatment in the hospital, but this turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous.”Born in Darwin, Martyn made his Test debut at the age of 21, taking over from Dean Jones in the home series against West Indies in 1992/93, and became Western Australia’s captain at 23. He played 208 ODIs, boasting an average of 40.8 and scoring an unbeaten 88 runs as Australia triumphed over India in the 2003 World Cup final.Martyn concluded his Test career midway through the 2006/07 Ashes series, with his last match played at the Adelaide Oval that summer. After retirement, he dabbled in commentary but has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years.
Published: 2026-01-04 19:40:00
source: www.theguardian.com
