Adam Gilchrist provides update on 'encouraging signs' for Damien Martyn as he fights for his life
Updated . First published
Adam Gilchrist has provided a positive update on the health of Australian cricket great Damien Martyn as he fights for his life in a Queensland hospital.
The 54-year-old was admitted to hospital after going to lie down at his home on Boxing Day and falling ill.
Martyn was subsequently diagnosed with meningitis and was placed in a coma to treat the condition.
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Damien Martyn and Adam Gilchrist in 2004. Getty
On Thursday during Fox Cricket's Big Bash coverage, Gilchrist said there have been "encouraging signs" for Martyn.
"On behalf of his family, Amanda his partner, thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as he goes through a challenging time," he said.
"He's still in hospital, there'll be more details coming out as they come to hand but certainly in the last 24 hours there's been some positive signs from the indications coming out of various tests he's having.
"There's been so much interest and love for Damien, a fine player and a terrific fella."
After the news broke on Wednesday, some of cricket's biggest names from around the world took to social media to throw their support behind Martyn.
The tributes came from the likes of VVS Laxman, Dale Steyn, and Ravi Ashwin, as well as several of Martyn's former teammates.
Cricket legend VVS Laxman was one of many to send his well wishes to Damien Martyn. Nine
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg wished Martyn a quick recovery.
"I'm saddened to hear of Damien's illness. The best wishes of everyone at CA and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time," he said in a statement.
Former Australian football star Brad Hardie broke the news on his 6PR radio show on Tuesday.
"Damien Martyn, the champ from WA, fantastic batsman … unfortunately took ill on Boxing Day and currently is residing in a Queensland hospital and he is in for the fight of his life," Hardie said.
"I'd like everybody to certainly have their best wishes and positive thoughts for Marto. God give him strength.
"Let's hope he can pull through because it's really serious."
Former Australian Test player Rodney Hogg was also on the radio program at the time.
"We wish him all the best. That's shocking news," Hogg said.
Martyn is a beloved former player who produced some iconic innings in both the baggy green and in white-ball cricket for Australia.
He lifted the 1999 and 2003 one-day World Cups with the national team, and was the hero of the tournament final in 2003 with an 88 not out against India, while batting with a broken finger.
Damien Martyn of Australia in action during the 2003 World Cup final. Getty
He shocked the sport when he suddenly retired midway through the 2006-07 Ashes series, and has kept a relatively low public profile since.
His slashing cut shot through point became one of the iconic shots of his era.
Martyn played 67 Test matches and 208 one-day internationals for Australia, as well as four T20 internationals.
He averaged an impressive 46.37 in Tests and 40.80 in ODIs and was known as one of the most entertaining batters of his era.
