Iconic Australian cricketing great Damien Martyn is in an induced coma in a Queensland hospital and “in for the fight of his life”.
The 54-year-old was rushed to hospital after going to lie down at his home on Boxing Day before falling ill.
He has since been diagnosed with meningitis, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
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The illness can lead to swelling of the brain and doctors have placed the Test and ODI legend into a coma to treat the condition.
Former Australian football star Brad Hardie broke the news on his 6PR radio show on Tuesday.
Damien Martyn (left) alongside Adam Gilchrist and Steve Waugh. Getty
Brad Hogg, Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn celebrate the 2003 World Cup victory. Pat Scala
“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 player Rodney Hogg was also on the radio program at the time.
“We wish him all the best. That’s shocking news,” Hogg said.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg wished Martyn a quick recovery.
“I’m saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of everyone at CA and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time,” he said in a statement.
Former teammate Adam Gilchrist also gave an update on behalf of Martyn’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.
Martyn, 54, is a beloved former player who produced some iconic innings in both the baggy green and in white-ball cricket for Australia.
He lifted the 1999 and 2003 one-day World Cups with the national team, and was the hero of the tournament final in 2003 with an 88 not out against India, while batting with a broken finger.
Damien Martyn of Australia in action during the 2003 World Cup final. Getty
He shocked the sport when he suddenly retired midway through the 2006-07 Ashes series, and has kept a relatively low public profile since.
His slashing cut shot through point became one of the iconic shots of his era.
Martyn played 67 Test matches and 208 one-day internationals for Australia, as well as four T20 internationals.
He averaged an impressive 46.37 in Tests and 40.80 in ODIs and was known as one of the most entertaining batters of his era.