Former Australian cricket great Damien Martyn has regained consciousness after being placed in an induced coma while battling meningitis, his family and close friends have confirmed in a remarkable health turnaround.
The 54-year-old was admitted to hospital on Boxing Day (December 26) after falling seriously ill at his Gold Coast home and was diagnosed with meningitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Martyn, who had been in a medically induced coma for more than a week, woke up and began responding to treatment on Sunday, according to close friend and former Australia teammate Adam Gilchrist. Gilchrist spoke on behalf of the family, describing his progress as “an unbelievable turn of events” and “something of a miracle.”
Doctors are hopeful that Martyn will be moved out of intensive care soon, with Gilchrist saying that the rapid improvement reflects just how positive the recovery has been. Martyn is reportedly in good spirits, communicating with loved ones and overwhelmed by the support he has received.
His wife Amanda and family have expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of messages from fans, fellow players, and the wider community, saying they feel blessed by the goodwill during this difficult time.
Martyn enjoyed a distinguished career for Australia, playing 67 Test matches and 208 One-Day Internationals between 1992 and 2006. He scored over 4,400 Test runs, including 13 centuries, and was a key member of Australia’s World Cup-winning sides, notably top-scoring with 88 not out in the 2003 final.
Renowned for his elegant stroke play and composure at the crease, Martyn was one of the standout players of Australia’s dominant cricket era and earned respect from fans and peers around the world.
While Martyn remains under hospital care for ongoing treatment and monitoring, medical staff are encouraged by recent progress and optimistic about his continued recovery. The family has asked for privacy as he works toward regaining full strength.