Brisbane: Former Australian cricket star Damien Martyn has regained consciousness and is responding to treatment after more than a week in an induced coma due to meningitis, according to reports from the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday.

The 54-year-old Test legend was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital on Dec. 27 after falling critically ill. Former teammate Adam Gilchrist confirmed the breakthrough in Martyn’s recovery, noting that the former batter is now "able to talk and respond to the treatment."

Martyn’s partner, Amanda, issued a statement expressing the family’s gratitude for the global outpouring of support while requesting continued privacy.

"Damien is progressing well with his medical treatment. 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," she said. "This has been a trying time, and the family ask that you respect their privacy."

The news prompted a wave of relief across the cricketing community. Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann was among those sending public well-wishes on social media. "Lots of love and prayers sending Damien Martyn's way. Keep strong and fighting legend," Lehmann wrote on X.

Renowned for his technical precision and elegant style, Martyn was a mainstay of the Australian side between 1992 and 2006. He amassed 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.37, including 13 centuries. In the one-day format, he was considered one of the game’s premier finishers, scoring 5,346 runs across 208 matches.

One of the high points of his career came during the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. Martyn was named Player of the Series after top-scoring in four of Australia’s eight innings, leading the team to its first Test series victory on Indian soil in 35 years.

With inputs from ANI