đ Share this article Ex- Australian Test Cricketer Damien Martyn Hospitalized and in Induced Coma After Meningitis Diagnosis. The former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martyn is in hospital and placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. Serious Health Battle Revealed Martyn, aged 54, âis in for the fight of his lifeâ, as stated by ex-AFL star Brad Hardie, who revealed Martynâs health situation this week. âLetâs hope he can recover because itâs really serious,â stated Hardie. Martyn remains in a serious condition after falling ill on Boxing Day and transported to a hospital in Queensland, as per family sources. About Meningitis The condition meningitis involves inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. An Illustrious Playing Career Martyn is considered one of Australiaâs finest batsmen, featuring in 67 Tests and amassing 4,406 Test runs averaging 46.37 between 1992 and 2006. His not out 88 in the 2003 World Cup final â with a broken finger â helped Australia secure victory over India. He announced a shock retirement in the middle of the 2005-06 Ashes series in England following difficulties in the first couple of Tests. Cricket World Reacts A former teammate Darren Lehmann urged Martyn to âkeep strongâ online, as the sporting world started sending support. âLots of love and prayers sending his way . Stay strong and fight legend . Sending love to the family.â Further updates to follow âŠ