Damien Martyn health update: Adam Gilchrist says ‘positive signs’ amid meningitis treatment

Australian cricket great Adam Gilchrist has provided a health update on his former teammate Damien Martyn, who is currently battling meningitis and remains hospitalised in Queensland.

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Speaking on Fox Cricket, Gilchrist said there were “positive signs” emerging as the 54-year-old continues his recovery. Martyn was placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis and remains under close medical supervision.

“He is still in hospital. There will 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 said.

“There has been so much interest and love. A fine player, terrific fella. I just hope he can continue his recovery,” he added.

Martyn reportedly fell ill during the Boxing Day Test on Friday and was rushed to hospital shortly after. News of his condition became public on Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of support from the cricketing fraternity.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections and presents symptoms such as severe headaches, fever, stiff neck and sensitivity to light. Bacterial meningitis, in particular, can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Martyn’s condition continues to be closely monitored.

A highly respected figure in Australian cricket, Martyn represented his country in 67 Tests, 208 ODIs and four T20Is between 1992 and 2006, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished batters of his era.

He is widely regarded as one of the finest ODI finishers in the game, scoring 5,346 runs in 208 matches at an average of 40.80, including five centuries and 37 half-centuries. In Tests, he amassed 4,406 runs in 67 matches at an average of 46.37, with 13 centuries and 23 fifties.

One of the defining moments of his career came in the 2003 ODI World Cup final against India, where Martyn scored an unbeaten 88 despite a broken finger, sharing a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting.