Former Australian cricket star Damien Martyn has made a significant recovery after being placed in an induced coma at a Gold Coast hospital in Brisbane due to meningitis.

Cricket Australia confirmed that the 54-year-old World Cup winner, who was admitted to the hospital last week, is expected to be moved out of intensive care in the coming days.

Sports broadcaster Fox Sports reported on Monday, during the second day of the fifth Ashes Test, that “Martyn is now out of a coma and he is speaking to his loved ones.”

Adam Gilchrist, longtime teammate and close friend, described the recovery as “an unbelievable turn of events in the last 48 hours,” noting that Martyn is now alert, able to communicate, and responding well to treatment.

Gilchrist said Martyn is in good spirits and deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the global cricket community.

“His wife Amanda wants to thank everyone, as she believes the love, messages, and press coverage have played a huge role in his recovery,” he added.

Martyn represented Australia in 67 Test matches, scoring 13 centuries and averaging 46.37 with the bat over his international career.