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Australia cricket legend Damien Martyn has emerged from a coma following a diagnosis of meningitis.
Martyn, 54, fell ill on Boxing Day after taking a rest at his home in the Gold Coast and was subsequently admitted to a hospital in Brisbane.
Former Australia cricket star Damien Martyn has woken from his comaCredit: Getty
Martyn, left, will be remembered for scoring a century against England in the 2001 Ashes seriesCredit: Getty
He was diagnosed with meningitis, a condition that leads to inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
This illness can cause symptoms such as headaches, fever, muscle or joint pain, a stiff neck, and sensitivity to light, and it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
However, Martyn is now able to sit up and converse after waking from his coma, as reported by fellow former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist.
Gilchrist stated that Martyn’s family described the news as a “miracle” and expressed hope that he could soon be transferred out of the ICU.
He told Code Sports : “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.
“It has been so positive that they’re hopeful he will be able to move out of the ICU into another part of the hospital, which reflects the remarkable recovery he has made and how quickly things have improved.
“On behalf of his family, Amanda, his partner, thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love, wishes, and care for Damien as he navigates this challenging time.”
Martyn participated in 67 Tests and played 208 ODIs for Australia between 1992 and 2006, and he will be remembered for scoring a century against England.
He amassed a total of 4,406 Test runs, including 13 centuries, and also scored 5,346 runs in One Day Internationals.
Throughout his cricket career, Martyn played for Western Australia, Leicestershire, and Yorkshire.
His Ashes heroics took place during the 2001 series, where he scored two centuries at Edgbaston and Headingley.
Martyn’s outstanding performances earned him the prestigious ‘Wisden Cricketer of the Year’ award.
In December 2006, he stunned the cricket world by announcing his immediate retirement from all forms of the game.
At the age of 35, he informed Cricket Australia of his unexpected decision just before a squad announcement for a third Ashes test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Damien Martyn to fall into a coma?
Damien Martyn fell into a coma after being diagnosed with meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
How is Damien Martyn's recovery progressing?
Martyn has shown significant improvement since waking from his coma. He is now able to sit up, talk, and respond to treatment, leading his family to describe his recovery as a "miracle."
What are Damien Martyn's notable achievements in cricket?
Throughout his career, Damien Martyn played 67 Tests and 208 ODIs, scoring a total of 4,406 Test runs and 5,346 ODI runs, including multiple centuries. He was awarded the ‘Wisden Cricketer of the Year’ in recognition of his outstanding performances.



