Martyn's condition improves after being brought out of coma

Damien Martyn is making a steady recovery after being brought out of an induced coma while battling meningitis, with close friend Adam Gilchrist describing the turnaround as "miraculous".

The 54-year-old former Australia batter, who has been receiving treatment at the Gold Coast University Hospital, is now able to talk and respond, and is expected to be moved out of the intensive care unit. The global cricket community had rallied around Martyn after news of his condition emerged earlier this week.

"It's been an unbelievable turn of events in the last 48 hours," Gilchrist said in a statement on Sunday night. "He has responded extraordinarily well since coming out of the coma, to the point where his family feels it's almost a miracle. He's in good spirits and overwhelmed by the support, and while there is still treatment and monitoring to go, it's looking very positive."

Gilchrist added that Martyn's wife Amanda wanted to convey the family's gratitude, believing the outpouring of love and goodwill from across the cricketing world had played a part in his recovery.

"His wife Amanda just really wants to say to everyone she is convinced that the love, goodwill and sense of care that they felt from everybody, via messages and via the coverage in the press really helped him. They just feel blessed so many people have wanted to support him in his time in need.

"He will remain in hospital and continue to receive treatment but the turnaround has been miraculous," Gilchrist said.