Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn, has been placed under induced coma at a hospital in Brisbane where he was admitted with meningitis recently. The 54-year-old Martyn a, resident of Queensland, was rushed to hospital as his health deteriorated. According to media reports Martyn is still getting extensive medical care as specialists are trying to control his infection. 

Meningitis, a serious illness, occurs when the membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord become infected and inflamed. Health experts say the disease can worsen quickly and be fatal without immediate treatment. Typically, treatment involves hospitalisation, close monitoring, and, in severe cases, receiving critical care assistance. 

Martyn's former teammate Adam Gilchrist confirmed the news and said that the former cricketer was getting the best care imaginable. 

Gilchrist said, "He is getting the best care, and Amanda and the family know that many people are praying for him and sending their best wishes." 

Martyn grew up in Western Australia and made his first-class debut in 1991 and then captained Western Australia for a season. From 1992 until 2006, he played international cricket for Australia. He was played a vital role in Australia's World Cup win in 2003. 

Martyn was known for his graceful stroke play, which worked especially well on the subcontinent. He was selected player of the series when Australia last won a Test series in India in 2004. He led the team in scoring in four of the eight innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In 2005, he scored his highest Test score of 165 against New Zealand. He scored 4,406 runs in Tests, including 13 centuries, and 5,346 runs in one-day internationals. 

Darren Lehmann, a former teammate and coach, also sent a message of support on social media X, saying, "Sending lots of love and prayers to Damien Martyn." Legend, stay strong and keep fighting. Love to the family.