Former Australia batter Damien Martyn has been placed into an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 54-year-old, who played 67 Test matches between 1992 and 2006, 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.

Former Australian Rules football star Brad Hardie, speaking on Perth's 6PR radio station, said: "Damien Martyn, the champ from WA [Western Australia] unfortunately took ill on Boxing Day and currently is residing in a Queensland hospital. I’d like everybody to have their best wishes and positive thoughts for Marto. Let's hope he can pull through, because it's really serious."

Northamptonshire head coach Darren Lehmann, a former Australia team-mate, wrote on X: "Lots of love and prayers...Keep strong and fighting legend."

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.