Australian cricket legend Damien Martin hospitalized in critical condition

SYDNEY: Former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martin has been placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis.

According to foreign media reports, 54-year-old Damien Martin was taken to the hospital on Boxing Day after feeling unwell, where doctors decided to place him in an induced coma given his condition.

Damien Martin played 67 Tests and 208 ODIs for Australia between 1992 and 2006. He is suffering from meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and can be fatal.

Former Australian wicketkeeper and close friend Adam Gilchrist confirmed that Damien Martin is receiving the best medical care and his family knows that prayers are being offered for him from all over the world.

Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann also expressed his best wishes on social media, saying that he should stay strong and stand with his family during this difficult time.

Damien Martyn is considered one of the best strokemakers in the history of Australian cricket. He scored 13 centuries in Test cricket and averaged over 46. He was also a key part of the Australian team that won the 2003 World Cup, where he played an unbeaten 88 against India in the final.

After retiring during the 2006 Ashes series, Damien Martyn kept himself away from cricket and the media to a large extent.