Former Australian Test batsman Damien Martyn is showing encouraging signs of recovery after being hospitalised and placed in an induced coma due to meningitis, according to ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist.
The 54-year-old, who represented Australia in 67 Test matches and 208 one-day internationals between 1992 and 2006, was taken to hospital last week after suddenly falling ill while resting. Doctors later confirmed he had meningitis, a serious condition involving inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
Speaking during a Big Bash League broadcast on Thursday evening, Gilchrist thanked fans for their messages of support and provided a brief update on Martyn’s condition. “Damien is still in hospital, but over the past 24 hours, some positive signs have emerged from the tests he is undergoing,” he said.
Tributes and well-wishes have poured in from across the cricketing world, with former England captain Michael Vaughan and Indian greats Ravichandran Ashwin and VVS Laxman among those expressing support.
Renowned for his elegant stroke play, Martyn was a central figure in Steve Waugh’s dominant Australian team. He scored 13 Test centuries and finished his career with a batting average of 46.37. Martyn was also part of Australia’s victorious 2003 World Cup squad, playing a crucial role in the final with an unbeaten 88 against India alongside Ricky Ponting.
Martyn retired from international cricket during the 2006 Ashes series and has largely remained out of the public eye since then.
