Damien Martyn out of coma after Meningitis scare; Adam Gilchrist reveals ‘unbelievable turn of events in last 48 hours’

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has come out of an induced come after being diagnosed with meningitis and is talking to his loved ones, close friend and his former teammate Adam Gilchrist confirmed on Sunday. Martyn, one of the most feared middle-order batters of his time, was admitted to hospital in Queensland on December 27 after falling ill.

A former wicketkeeper himself, Gilchrist and Martyn won two ODI World Cups for Australia together in 1999 and 2003. On behalf of Martyn's family, Gilchrist revealed that the 54-year-old is "now able to talk".

“It's been an unbelievable turn of events in the last 48 hours,” Gilchrist said in a statement. (Martyn) has responded extraordinarily well since coming out of the coma to the point where his family feels it's like some sort of miracle," the statement added.

Gilchrist also informed that the doctor's are considering to move Martyn out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and stated “what a great recovery it's been and how quickly it has flipped around”.

Meanwhile, Martyn will remain in the hospital for the time being and will continue to receive treatment. The statement also added that the former right-hander is in “good spirits” and is overwhelmed by the support from all over the world.

“Love, goodwill and sense of care,” Martyn's wife Amanda added, thanking his supporters.