Former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martyn is showing "positive signs" while recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with meningitis and placed in an induced coma, according to close friend and ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist.
Hospital Admission and Current Condition
Martyn was admitted to a hospital on the Gold Coast after falling ill on Boxing Day. He remains in a serious but stable condition. Meningitis is a serious condition involving inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Providing an update during a Fox Sports Big Bash League broadcast on Thursday, Gilchrist conveyed the Martyn family's gratitude for the widespread support following the news breaking on Wednesday. "Thank you everyone for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he goes through a challenging time," Gilchrist stated on their behalf.
"He's still in hospital. There'll be more details coming out as they come to hand but certainly in the last 24 hours, some positive signs are the indications coming out of the various tests he's having," Gilchrist added.
A Celebrated Cricket Career
Damien Martyn, renowned as one of Australia's most elegant batters, enjoyed a distinguished international career. The right-hander played 67 Tests, scoring 4,406 runs at an impressive average of 46.37 between 1992 and 2006.
He also featured in 208 One-Day Internationals. A standout moment was his unbeaten 88 in the 2003 World Cup final, a match-winning knock played with a broken finger that helped Australia secure victory over India.
Gilchrist reflected on Martyn's talent, particularly highlighting his performances abroad. "We all knew the skill and talent that he had and displayed, but it's when you talk to opposition teams … The respect with which opposition teams speak about him and his talent and his quality, that's where it rings true," Gilchrist said.
"Sometimes the Australian cricket audience might not fully appreciate 'Marto' because a lot of his work was done in the late hours in Australia when everyone was asleep and we were playing on foreign shores."
An Outpouring of Support
The cricket community has rallied around the former player. Indian batting legend VVS Laxman posted on social media: "Sending strength and prayers to my dear friend @damienmartyn and his family. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. The entire cricket world stands with you Matto during this tough time."
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also shared his support, writing: "All our thoughts are with you @damienmartyn." Gilchrist concluded his public remarks with a personal hope for his friend's recovery: "There's been so much interest and love for Damien. A fine player, terrific fella. I just hope he can continue his recovery."
