Former Australia batter Damien Martyn has shown significant improvement after being treated for meningitis, with doctors bringing him out of an induced coma, offering relief to his family, friends and the cricketing fraternity.

The positive update was shared by close friend and former teammate Adam Gilchrist, who has been in regular contact with Martyn’s partner, Amanda, and his family. Martyn is currently undergoing treatment at the Gold Coast University Hospital, where he was admitted after falling ill on Boxing Day.

Speaking to Code Sports, Gilchrist said Martyn’s recovery over the past day has been remarkable. He said Martyn responded extremely well after being brought out of the coma, adding that the turnaround had been so encouraging that doctors and family members are hopeful he can soon be shifted out of the intensive care unit.

Gilchrist said the family described the improvement as nothing short of extraordinary, noting that the speed of recovery had surprised everyone involved. He added that the move out of ICU, if it happens, would mark a major step forward in Martyn’s recovery, though he will continue to remain under close medical supervision.

“He has responded extraordinarily well since morning out (of the coma) to the point where his family feels it is like some sort of miracle,” Gilchrist said on Code Sports.

According to Gilchrist, Martyn’s partner Amanda has expressed gratitude for the support the family has received. She conveyed that the messages of goodwill, concern and solidarity from across the world had a profound emotional impact during a difficult period. Gilchrist said the family believes the collective support and care shown by fans, former teammates and the wider public played a role in lifting spirits during the crisis.

In a statement issued to the Courier Mail, the Martyn family thanked the public for the overwhelming support and acknowledged the efforts of the medical team at Gold Coast University Hospital. They described the past days as extremely challenging and requested privacy as Martyn continues his treatment and recovery.

Meningitis is a serious condition involving inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and can lead to dangerous swelling if not treated promptly. Doctors had placed Martyn in an induced coma as part of the treatment protocol.

Martyn, 54, is regarded as one of the key figures of Australia’s golden era in international cricket. He represented the country in 67 Test matches and 208 one-day internationals between 1992 and 2006, scoring 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.36 and 5,346 ODI runs at 40.90. He was part of Australia’s 2003 World Cup-winning squad and is particularly remembered for his unbeaten 88 in the final against India.

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Godda (PTI): A man was beaten to death allegedly for stealing cattle in Jharkhand's Godda district, a police officer said on Thursday.

The 45-year-old man identified as Pappu Ansari was a resident of Ranipur village under Pathargama police station limit of the district, the police officer said.

The incident occurred in Matihani village under Poraiyahat police station limit on Wednesday night. Ansari was beaten to death by unidentified persons over stealing cattle.

Confirming the incident, Deputy Superintendent of Police J P N Chaudhary said the victim had a criminal record and had been to jail in several occasions in the past.

An investigation was underway to ascertain how the incident took place, the persons involved in the crime, the DySP said.

More details would be provided only after the investigation, Chaudary added.