Former Australia batter Damien Martyn is in a serious condition in a Queensland hospital after being diagnosed with meningitis, with doctors placing the 54-year-old in an induced coma as treatment continues.

Martyn fell ill on Boxing Day and was rushed to hospital after his condition rapidly worsened. The news, first reported by Nine Newspapers, sent shockwaves through the Australian cricket community, with former teammates and fans expressing concern for one of the game’s most respected figures. Known for his watertight technique and elegant cover drives, Martyn had largely stayed out of the public eye since retiring, though he had posted about the Boxing Day Test just a day before falling ill.

Support poured in from across the sporting world on Wednesday. Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann shared his message on X, writing, “Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family.”

Close friend and former teammate Adam Gilchrist told News Corp that Martyn was receiving the best possible care. “He is getting the best of treatment, and Amanda and his family know that so many people are sending their prayers and best wishes,” Gilchrist said.

Former AFL star Brad Hardie underlined the seriousness of the situation while speaking on 6PR radio in Perth. “Damien Martyn, the champion from WA, is in for the fight of his life. Let’s hope he can pull through because it’s really serious,” he said.

Martyn remains one of Australia’s finest stroke-makers. He featured in 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006, scoring 4,406 runs at an average of 46.37, including 13 centuries. His remarkable comeback in 2000 after six years out of the Test side stands as one of cricket’s great redemption stories, and he went on to become a key member of Steve Waugh’s dominant Australian team.

In one-day internationals, Martyn was equally influential, scoring 5,346 runs at an average of 40.80. He played a pivotal role in Australia’s 2003 World Cup triumph, most memorably with an unbeaten 88 in the final against India, sharing a match-defining partnership with Ricky Ponting.

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