Australian cricket great Damien Martyn was rushed to hospital after falling ill on Boxing Day and is reportedly in an induced coma due to meningitis.

The 54-year-old former batsman, who played 67 Tests and was a 2003 ODI World Cup winner, went to lie down after feeling sick and is now in a serious condition in a Gold Coast hospital. Nine Newspapers reported on Wednesday that Martyn was “in an induced coma … after being diagnosed with meningitis”.

Meningitis is an inflammation of protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and infection can cause harmful brain swelling. Martyn’s condition is being closely monitored.

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“Damien Martyn remains in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital,” a spokesperson for Gold Coast Health said on Wednesday, per Nine.

Martyn’s former Western Australia and Australian teammate Adam Gilchrist gave an update on behalf of the stricken star’s family.

“He is getting the best of treatment and [Martyn’s partner] Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes,” Gilchrist said.

Brad Hardie, the 1985 Brownlow Medallist, first announced Martyn’s plight on Perth’s 6PR radio, without revealing the specific illness.

“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 cricketer Rodney Hogg added: “We wish him all the best. That’s shocking news.”

Former teammate Darren Lehmann sent a message of support on X, writing: “Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx.”

Damien Martyn wearing his Test baggy green in 2001.Source: News Limited

Ex-Western Australia teammate Ryan Campbell posted: “Sending lots of love & best wishes to @damienmartyn …..Thinking of you & your family buddy.”

As former players across the western side of the globe woke up to the news on New Year’s Eve, well wishes continued to flow for Martyn from the likes of Indian great Ravichandran Ashwin and former rival VVS Laxman, plus South African fast bowling legend Dale Steyn and Pakistan batting icon Mohammad Yousuf.

Martyn was born in Darwin, grew up in Perth and starred playing for Western Australia. He now lives on the Gold Coast.

He was an elegant right-hand batter who made 4,406 Test runs for Australia at an average of 46.37, with a best of 165 among 13 centuries.

He also played 208 ODIs for 5,346 runs at 40.90, with a highest score of 144* from five tons. He made a famous 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final, batting with a broken finger and sharing an epic partnership with captain Ricky Ponting as Australia beat India.

Though Martyn has dabbled in commentary, he has reportedly kept his distance from cricket in retirement, rarely attending functions.

He made a startling exit from cricket midway through the 2006/07 Ashes, retiring abruptly after the second Test in Adelaide — one of Australia’s most famous wins over England.

He has never lost his passion for cricket. On Christmas Eve, he replied on X to a picture of the MCG lying in wait for the Boxing Day Test, saying: “If the old brigade could play again then this would be it. Boxing Day test match. What a cauldron.”

He also had a crack at strife-torn England before they rallied to win in Melbourne: “Now it’s all the beer plus the Noosa beach why England lost. Load of rubbish. Got to love media click bait. Australia are just better.”

Damien Martyn, Steve Waugh and Michael Clarke pictured together in 2015.Source: News Corp Australia