ss “GOOD NEWS” Damien Martyn, the 54-year-old former Australian cricket player, has woken up after fighting for his life, and he has also revealed his current health condition after overcoming the critical danger that left fans deeply worried… “Thank you everyone and my family for praying and being by my side when I was at my weakest and needed everyone the most, but right now I have…”

The Australian cricket community has been given a massive boost of hope as former Test star Damien Martyn has woken from his induced coma and is showing extraordinary signs of recovery from meningitis.

According to close friend and former teammate Adam Gilchrist, who spoke to Code Sports, the 54-year-old is now able to talk and is responding positively to treatment, with his family describing the progress as “like some sort of miracle.”

Martyn was rushed from his Gold Coast home to hospital on Boxing Day after falling ill while resting. He was quickly diagnosed with meningitis – a serious inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord – and placed in an induced coma to manage the condition.

Initial reports painted a grave picture, with the elegant right-hander in a critical but stable state, prompting an outpouring of concern from the global cricket fraternity.

Gilchrist, speaking on behalf of Martyn’s family including partner Amanda, provided the uplifting update: “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.” The former wicketkeeper added that the recovery has been so rapid and positive that doctors are hopeful Martyn can soon be moved from intensive care (ICU) to another ward – a significant milestone indicating how quickly his condition has turned around.

This news comes as a profound relief after days of anxiety. Meningitis can be life-threatening, leading to severe complications, but early intervention and the induced coma protocol appear to have given Martyn the best chance.

Gilchrist noted the family’s deep gratitude for the overwhelming support: “On behalf of the family, thank you everyone for the heartfelt love, wishes, and care for Damien as he goes through this challenging time.”

The cricket world had rallied intensely since the illness became public. Legends like VVS Laxman, Dale Steyn, Ravi Ashwin, Darren Lehmann, and Michael Vaughan sent messages of strength, while Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed sadness and best wishes from the entire community.

Fans worldwide shared memories of Martyn’s classy strokeplay, with tributes highlighting his role in Australia’s dominant era.

Martyn’s career remains one of understated brilliance. Playing 67 Tests and 208 ODIs from 1992 to 2006, he amassed 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.37 (including 13 centuries) and 5,346 ODI runs.

A key member of Australia’s golden generation, he contributed to World Cup wins in 1999 and 2003 – famously scoring an unbeaten 88 in the 2003 final against India despite a broken finger.

Born in Darwin and rising through Western Australia (where he became the state’s youngest captain at 23), Martyn was renowned for his elegant timing, especially square of the wicket.

His sudden retirement during the 2006-07 Ashes – after the second Test in Adelaide – shocked the cricketing world, citing personal reasons. Since then, Martyn has lived a low-profile life, occasionally commentating but largely staying out of the spotlight.

Gilchrist emphasized the family’s appreciation for privacy while acknowledging the love shown: “Amanda is convinced that the goodwill and care from everybody really helped him. They feel blessed so many people supported him in his time of need.”

Medical staff at Gold Coast University Hospital have been praised for their care, with the family expressing “deepest appreciation” in statements. While Martyn remains under close monitoring, the trajectory is highly encouraging – a testament to his fighting spirit that fans saw on the field for years.

As Martyn continues his recovery, the cricket community breathes a collective sigh of relief. The man who brought grace and resilience to Australian batting is showing those same qualities in his toughest battle yet.

The outpouring of support continues, with fans hopeful for a full return to health. Damien Martyn’s story – from prodigy to champion to survivor – inspires anew.

Get well soon, Damien.