Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn, 54, is showing remarkable signs of recovery after being in an induced coma while battling meningitis. Martyn was admitted to a Gold Coast hospital in Queensland after falling ill around Boxing Day. Doctors placed him in the induced coma to stabilize his condition while treating the severe inflammation of the membranes surrounding his brain and spinal cord.
News of Martyn's illness triggered an outpouring of support from the cricketing world, including former teammates and rivals. According to reports, Martyn has now woken up and is speaking with loved ones. His progress has been described as an "unbelievable turn of events" and "miraculous" by his family and close friend, Adam Gilchrist.
Gilchrist, speaking on behalf of Martyn's family, stated that the former Australian batter is responding positively to treatment. "It's been an unbelievable turn of events in the last 48 hours," Gilchrist said. "He is now able to talk and respond to treatment. He has responded extraordinarily well since coming out of the coma to the point where his family feels it's like some sort of miracle". Gilchrist also conveyed that Martyn is in good spirits and overwhelmed by the support he has received.
Doctors are optimistic that Martyn may soon be moved out of the intensive care unit. "It has been so positive that they're hopeful he will be able to move out of the ICU into another part of the hospital, which is representative of what a great recovery it's been and how quickly it has flipped around," Gilchrist stated.
Martyn's wife, Amanda, expressed her gratitude for the support the family has received. "His wife Amanda just really wants to say to everyone she is convinced that the love, goodwill and sense of care that they felt from everybody, via messages and via the coverage in the press really helped him," Gilchrist said. "They just feel blessed so many people have wanted to support him in his time in need. He will remain in the hospital and continue to receive treatment but the turnaround has been miraculous".
Throughout his career, Damien Martyn played 67 Test matches for Australia, scoring 4,406 runs at an average of 46.37, including 13 centuries. He also played 208 ODIs, amassing 5,346 runs at an average of 40.80, with five centuries. Martyn was a key member of the Australian team that won the 2003 ODI World Cup, remaining unbeaten on 88 in the final against India. He was also named Player of the Series during the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India.
While Martyn will remain in the hospital for further treatment and monitoring, the news of his recovery has brought immense relief and joy to his family, friends, and fans worldwide. VVS Laxman, Michael Vaughan, and Darren Lehmann are among those who have publicly sent their encouragement and prayers.
