NEW DELHI: Former Australia cricketer Damien Martyn has been admitted to a Brisbane hospital in a critical condition, Australian media reported on Wednesday.

The 54-year-old, who represented Australia in 67 Test matches, reportedly fell seriously ill over the past few days. According to Nine Newspapers, Martyn has been placed in an induced coma as doctors treat him for meningitis.

After news of Martyn falling ill spread rapidly, messages of support and well wishes poured in from across the cricketing fraternity, including former India cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and VVS Laxman, who wished the former Australian batter a speedy recovery.

Laxman shared a heartfelt message, extending strength and prayers to Martyn and his family, while Ashwin expressed that his thoughts were with the former Australia star and voiced his hope for a swift and strong recovery.

Sending strength and prayers to my dear friend @damienmartyn and his family. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. The entire cricket world stands with you Matto during this tough time🤗🤗

"Lots of love and prayers sending (at) damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family," former Test teammate Darren Lehmann wrote on social media.

Speaking to News Corp., close friend and former Australian Test wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said: "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."

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," said Greenberg.

Martyn's career in numbers

Martyn's seemingly effortless stroke play was his strength, averaging 46.37 with the bat in test matches.

Born in Darwin, Martyn earned a test debut at 21 replacing Dean Jones in the 1992-93 home series against West Indies and was Western Australia's captain at 23.

His high score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005, one of his 13 test centuries.

Martyn played his final test at Adelaide Oval in the 2006-07 Ashes series before moving into commentary work.

Martyn played 208 one-day internationals, averaging 40.8. He was part of Australia's squad that won the 1999 and 2003 World Cups, scoring an unbeaten 88 in the final against India in 2003 while batting with a broken finger, and was also a member of the winning 2006 Champions Trophy squad.