By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
Former Australia batter Damien Martyn has been placed in an induced coma after contracting meningitis, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed.
The 54-year-old, reportedly fell ill on 26 December and is in a hospital in Queensland.
Martyn played in four Ashes series – retiring with immediate effect before the third Test of the 2006-07 series – and won two World Cups with Australia.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg wished Martyn a quick recovery, saying he was “saddened to hear of Damien’s illness”.
He said in a statement: “The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time.”
Speaking on behalf of the Martyn family, close friend and ex-Australia team-mate Adam Gilchrist confirmed that the right-hander was receiving treatment in hospital.
“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,” said the former wicketkeeper.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported, it was hoped Martyn could be brought out of his coma in the coming days.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
During his career, Martyn scored 4,406 Test runs at an average of 46.37.
He was also a prolific one-day international batter, scoring 5,346 runs from 208 matches at an average of 40, with five hundreds and 37 fifties.
He scored an unbeaten 88 as Australia beat India in the 2003 World Cup final despite batting with a broken finger, and represented Yorkshire as an overseas player in 2003.