Damien Martyn receives another major boost in road to recovery from killer health condition

Justin Langer has revealed that Damien Martyn was set to be released from hospital on Wednesday afternoon, after the former Australian Test cricket great was diagnosed with meningitis.

The 54-year-old was rushed to a Gold Coast hospital on Boxing Day where he had been placed in an induced coma.

On Sunday, it was revealed that the former top-order batsman had woken from his coma and had been able to talk with his friends, family and ex-team-mate Adam Gilchrist, who described it as ‘an unbelievable turn of events’.

But it appears Martyn’s recovery has thankfully continued to progress well, with former Australia coach, Langer, delivering the update during Seven’s broadcast coverage of the fourth day of the final Ashes Test in Sydney. 

‘Really happy to hear that Damien Martyn has recovered well and is going home this afternoon from hospital,’ Langer said during the evening session. 

Justin Langer has revealed that Damien Martyn (pictured) was set to be released from hospital on Wednesday afternoon, after the former Australian Test cricket great was diagnosed with meningitis 

The 54-year-old (right) was rushed to a Gold Coast hospital on Boxing Day and was placed in an induced coma

‘It’s been a really tough time for him and his family. So, this is really pleasing news.’

Martyn had taken to Instagram on Christmas Eve to express his excitement for the Boxing Day Test.

‘If the old brigade could play again, then this would be it,’ he wrote on X, adding a picture of the MCG.

‘Boxing Day test match. What a cauldron.’

It was later revealed on December 30 by AFL legend Brad Hardie, that Martyn had been admitted to hospital.

The footy great announced the news during his late-night radio broadcast, calling on listeners to send ‘positive thoughts for Marto’ and his family, with the Brisbane Bears great adding: ‘It’s really serious.’

It was later revealed that Martyn was suffering from meningitis, a killer disease that inflames the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

On Saturday, his partner, Amanda, thanked those who had shared their support to her family, adding that Martyn had been responding well to treatment.

A day later, Gilchrist revealed that Martyn, thankfully, had woken from his coma and was doing much better.

‘He is now able to talk and respond to treatment,’ Adam Gilchrist, who had spoken with Martyn, told News Corp on Sunday.

‘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.

His partner Amanda had confirmed on Saturday that the 54-year-old was responding well to treatment

His Test high score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005, one of 13 centuries Martyn made in the baggy green. He averaged 46.37

‘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 is representative of what a great recovery it’s been and how quickly it has flipped around.’

Martyn enjoyed a glittering career in cricket, with the 54-year-old right-handed batsman scoring 4,406 runs across 67 Test matches, notably also amassing 13 centuries and 23 half-centuries. 

The former Western Australian star was known for being one of the most graceful and talented batters in the game, and was often applauded for how simple he made batting look. 

From a young age, he excelled, notably taking Dean Jones’ place in the Aussie Test side at the young age of 21. 

He’d go on to win the 2003 Cricket World Cup with Australia, notably posting a score of 88 not out in the final to help Australia beat India by 125 runs. 

Martyn (pictured left with Merv Hughes) retired from Test cricket during the 2006-07 Ashes series

Martyn’s Test career came to an abrupt end during the 2006-07 Ashes series. He had faced scrutiny over his position in the side, with Martyn announcing that he was set to step down from international cricket. 

In the years following his retirement, the Aussie batter would dabble in commentary and punditry work. 

‘We would like to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of support our family has received,’ Martyn’s partner, Amanda, said on Saturday.

‘We also want to express our deepest appreciation to the medical team at Gold Coast University Hospital, who have been nothing short of amazing throughout this challenging time.’