Damien Martyn Wakes Up From Coma, Family Shares Positive Update

The Australian cricket community exhaled on Sunday as encouraging news emerged about former batter Damien Martyn, who has shown rapid improvement after a serious medical emergency earlier this week.

Martyn, 54, was admitted to hospital last week after his condition deteriorated sharply, prompting doctors to place him in an induced coma. He was later diagnosed with meningitis, an illness that can escalate quickly and carries significant risk if not treated aggressively.

The most positive update came via Adam Gilchrist, who spoke publicly on behalf of Martyn’s family. According to Gilchrist, the last 48 hours have brought a dramatic shift in outlook. Martyn has been brought out of the coma, is conscious, and is responding well to treatment, a recovery that has surprised even those closest to the situation.

Gilchrist said Martyn is now able to speak and interact, a development that has lifted spirits after days of uncertainty. Medical staff are sufficiently encouraged that a move out of intensive care is being discussed, although further treatment and observation remain part of the immediate plan.

The former batter is said to be overwhelmed by the support he has received, with messages flowing in from former teammates, players across generations, and fans who remember his contribution to one of Australia’s most dominant eras.

Martyn has featured in 67 Tests and 208 ODIs, and was a central figure in Australia’s 2003 World Cup triumph, playing a decisive role in the final.

Since stepping away from international cricket during the 2006 Ashes, Martyn has largely remained out of the spotlight. This week, however, his name returned to headlines for reasons far removed from cricket, and now, for a recovery that has brought genuine relief across the sport.