Former Australia all-rounder Damien Martin has been admitted to a hospital in Queensland after suffering from meningitis.
The 54-year-old fell seriously ill on Boxing Day and news of his condition emerged on Tuesday evening. He is currently in a coma while doctors continue to treat him.
Former teammates and members of the cricket fraternity took to social media on Wednesday to show their support. Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Lots of love and prayers sent @damianmart’s way. Stay strong and a fighting legend. Love to the family xxx.”
Speaking on behalf of Martin’s family, close friend and former wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said he was receiving excellent treatment.
“He’s getting the best treatment and (Martin’s partner) Amanda and his family know a lot of people are sending their prayers and well wishes,” Gilchrist said.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg shared his concern: “I was saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of Cricket Australia and the wider cricket community are with him at this time.”
Considered one of Australia’s greatest strokemakers, Martin represented his country in 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006.
After being recalled in 2000 following a six-year absence, he became a key member of Steve Waugh’s dominant side. He retired midway through the 2006 Ashes series, ending his Test career with 4,406 runs at an average of 46.37, including 13 centuries.
He was part of Australia’s 2003 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup winning team, scoring an unbeaten 88 in the final against India and sharing a 234-run partnership with Ricky Ponting.
In one-day internationals, Martin scored 5,346 runs at an average of 40.80, including five centuries.
After a brief stint in commentary following his retirement, Martin has largely stayed out of the public eye. A few days before falling ill, he shared a post on X about the upcoming Boxing Day Test.
“If the old squad could play again, this is it. Boxing Day Test. What a cauldron,” he wrote.