According to former teammate Adam Gilchrist, former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martyn is showing “positive signs” following his hospitalization in a meningitis-induced coma.
The 54-year-old, who played 208 one-day internationals and 67 Test matches between 1992 and 2006, became ill while lying down last week and was taken to the hospital.
Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes encircling the brain and spinal cord, was the diagnosis made for him.
“Thank you everyone for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he goes through a challenging time,” fellow Test great Gilchrist said during a Big Bash League game telecast on Thursday night.
“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.”
Former India cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and VVS Laxman, as well as former England captain Michael Vaughan, have also offered messages of support.
With 13 hundreds and an average of 46.37, Martyn—known for being one of the greatest strokemakers in the game—became a vital member of Steve Waugh’s formidable Australian team.
In the 2003 ODI World Cup final, he scored an unbeaten 88 in a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting against India.
After retiring following the Ashes series in 2006, Martyn has maintained a low profile.
