New Delhi, Jan. 5 -- Ex-Australia cricket star Damien Martyn has made a sudden turnaround since coming out of an induced coma while in a Gold Coast hospital with meningitis.

Cricket Australia said the 54-year-old Martyn, a World Cup winner who was admitted to the hospital last week, is expected to be moved out of the intensive care unit.

Australian cricket broadcaster Fox Sports reported during Day 2 of the fifth Ashes test on Monday that "Martyn is now out of a coma and he is speaking to his loved ones."

Adam Gilchrist, a friend and longtime teammate of Martyn's, issued a statement late Sunday to say "it's been an unbelievable turn of events in the last 48 hours. He is now able to talk and respond to treatment."

Gilchrist said Martyn...