Former Australia cricket star Damien Martyn has made what doctors and family members are calling a “miraculous” recovery after waking from an induced coma following a serious bout of meningitis.

The 54-year-old former international batter, who represented Australia across all formats during a distinguished career, was hospitalized in Queensland late last month after falling seriously ill. Martyn was admitted to Gold Coast University Hospital on December 27, where doctors placed him in a coma as part of emergency treatment.

Just over a week later, there has been dramatic and uplifting progress.

“An Unbelievable Turn of Events”

In a statement released on Sunday, close friend and former Australia teammate Adam Gilchrist shared the family’s relief and gratitude at Martyn’s rapid improvement.

“It’s been an unbelievable turn of events in the last 48 hours,” Gilchrist said on behalf of Martyn’s family.

According to the statement, Martyn has responded “extraordinarily well” since coming out of the coma and is now able to speak, a milestone that has brought immense relief to his loved ones.

“His family feels it’s like some sort of miracle,” the statement added.

Signs of Rapid Recovery

Gilchrist, Australia’s former wicketkeeper, said Martyn’s condition has improved so significantly that medical staff are hopeful he may soon be moved out of intensive care, a development that underlines the speed and scale of his recovery.

“The turnaround has been miraculous,” the statement said, noting how quickly Martyn’s health situation had changed for the better.

Martyn will remain in hospital for ongoing treatment and monitoring, but his condition is now described as stable and positive.

Family and Hospital Staff Praised

Martyn’s family expressed deep gratitude to the medical team at Gold Coast University Hospital, praising staff for their care during what they described as an incredibly challenging time.

“They have been nothing short of amazing,” Gilchrist said.

Martyn’s wife Amanda also shared that the overwhelming messages of support from fans, former teammates, and the wider cricket community have played a meaningful role in his recovery.

“The love, goodwill and sense of care has helped him enormously,” she said.

Understanding Meningitis

Meningitis is a serious infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The condition can develop rapidly and, in severe cases, become life-threatening within hours if not treated promptly.

Medical professionals emphasize that early intervention is crucial, making Martyn’s recovery all the more remarkable.

A Distinguished International Career

Damien Martyn enjoyed a highly respected international career with Australia, playing 67 Test matches between 1992 and 2006. Making his Test debut at just 21 years old, he went on to score 4,406 Test runs at an impressive average of 46.37.

Martyn represented Australia in four Ashes series and was a key contributor during one of the nation’s most dominant eras in world cricket.

He also played a significant role in Australia’s limited-overs success, scoring 5,346 runs in 208 one-day internationals at an average of 40, including five centuries and 37 half-centuries.

World Cup Heroics and Retirement

Martyn was a member of Australia’s 2003 and 2007 World Cup–winning squads, with one of his most memorable performances coming in the 2003 World Cup final against India. Batting with a broken finger, he scored an unbeaten 88, helping Australia secure a commanding victory.

He retired from international cricket before the Third Test of the 2006–07 Ashes series, drawing the curtain on a career defined by elegance, consistency, and calm under pressure.

Martyn also played county cricket for Yorkshire as an overseas professional in 2003, further enhancing his reputation as one of Australia’s most technically accomplished batters.

Cricket World Rallies Around Martyn

News of Martyn’s recovery has been met with widespread relief and celebration across the cricketing world. Former teammates, fans, and commentators have all shared messages of support, reflecting the respect Martyn commands both on and off the field.

As he continues his recovery in hospital, the focus remains firmly on his health — with optimism now replacing the anxiety of recent days.