Former Australian Test great Damien Martyn has regained consciousness and is able to talk, one week after being placed into an induced coma while battling meningitis at a Gold Coast hospital. The 54-year-old’s condition has improved dramatically, prompting ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist to describe the turnaround as “some sort of miracle”.
Martyn, who played 67 Tests and 208 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for Australia, fell seriously ill late last month and was rushed to hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with meningitis — a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Speaking on Sunday, Gilchrist said Martyn’s recovery over the past 48 hours had been extraordinary.
“It’s been an unbelievable turn of events in the last 48 hours. He is now able to talk and respond to treatment,” Gilchrist said.
“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.”
According to Gilchrist, Martyn is in good spirits and has been communicating with friends and family, including several former teammates. Doctors are hopeful he may soon be moved out of the intensive care unit (ICU), a step that reflects the speed and positivity of his recovery.
“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,” Gilchrist added.
Cricket World Rallies Around Martyn
News of Martyn’s illness prompted an outpouring of support from across the global cricket community. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, Indian legends VVS Laxman and Ravichandran Ashwin, and numerous Australian greats sent messages of encouragement.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousaf also extended his well wishes, writing on social media platform X:
“As a fellow cricketer, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. Wishing you strength, courage, and a full recovery. The cricket world stands with you.”
Gilchrist revealed that Martyn’s wife, Amanda, believes the overwhelming public support has played a meaningful role in his recovery.
“She really wants to say to everyone she is convinced that the love, goodwill and sense of care they felt from everybody — via messages and media coverage — really helped him,” Gilchrist said.
“They just feel blessed so many people have wanted to support him in his time of need.”
Illness Came Suddenly
As recently as Christmas Eve, Martyn had been active on social media, sharing his thoughts on the ongoing Ashes series. Days later, he fell suddenly ill and required urgent hospitalisation.
Although he will remain in hospital for continued treatment and monitoring, doctors and family members are increasingly optimistic about his progress.
“There is still some treatment and monitoring to go, but it’s looking positive. The turnaround has been miraculous,” Gilchrist said.
A Distinguished Cricket Career
Born in Darwin, Damien Martyn made his Test debut at just 21, replacing Dean Jones during Australia’s 1992–93 home series against the West Indies. He went on to become one of the most elegant stroke-makers of his generation and a key pillar of Steve Waugh’s dominant Australian side.
Martyn scored 13 Test centuries, averaging 46.37, and was part of Australia’s golden era. In ODIs, he amassed over 7,700 runs at an average of 40.8. One of the highlights of his career came in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where he struck an unbeaten 88 against India, sharing a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting as Australia lifted the trophy.
He retired from Test cricket midway through the 2006–07 Ashes series, playing his final match at the Adelaide Oval. While he briefly ventured into commentary after retirement, Martyn has largely stayed out of the public spotlight in recent years.
As he continues his recovery, the cricketing world remains united in hope and support for one of Australia’s most admired batsmen.