Former Australia cricketer Damien Martyn in induced coma after Meningitis Diagnosis

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn is fighting for his life in a Queensland hospital after being diagnosed with meningitis.

The 54-year-old was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital on Boxing Day following a sudden onset of illness and has been placed in an induced coma as doctors work to manage the potentially life-threatening condition.

"Damien Martyn remains in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital," a spokesperson for Gold Coast Health said on Wednesday.

The news has sent shockwaves through the cricket community, with tributes and well-wishes pouring in from former teammates and fans alike. Brad Hardie, the 1985 Brownlow Medallist and a close associate, was among the first to publicly address Martyn's plight on Perth's

6PR radio station.

"Damien Martyn, the champ from WA, fantastic batsman . unfortunately took ill on Boxing Day and currently is residing in a Queensland hospital and he is in for the fight of his life," Hardie said.

"I'd like everybody to certainly have their best wishes and positive thoughts for Marto. God give him strength. "Let's hope he can pull through because it's really serious. "

Martyn's family has requested privacy during this challenging time, as the cricket world rallies around one of its most stylish performers. Known for his graceful strokeplay, Martyn debuted in Test cricket in 1992 and became a mainstay in Australia's dominant teams of the early 2000s. His unbeaten 88 in the 2003 World Cup final against India was pivotal in securing the title for the Aussies.