A former Australian cricket star is in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis.

Damien Martyn was rushed to a Brisbane hospital from his Gold Coast home after becoming unwell after lying down to rest on Boxing Day, Code Sports reported.

Close friend and former Australian cricket Adam Gilchrist said on behalf of the family that Martyn was receiving treatment for meningitis.

“He is getting the best of treatment and Amanda [Martyn’s partner] and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes,” Gilchrist said.

It is thought he could be brought out of his coma in the next few days.

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has been placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. Photo / X

Former AFL player Brad Hardie said on his 6PR radio show the 54-year-old was in the “fight of his life” and the situation was “serious”.

“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.”

Elsewhere, former teammate Darren Lehmann posted to X, sending love and prayers his way.

“Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx.”

Martyn played 67 tests for Australia, 208 ODIs and four T20 international games.

He scored over 4000 runs in test cricket with an average of 46.4, with 23 centuries and over 5300 runs in ODIs.

He faced New Zealand in 12 test matches, scoring a total of 728 runs against the Black Caps and a high score of 165 in March 2005, the highest score of his career against any opponent in international cricket.

The match at the Basin Reserve in Wellington ended in a draw and was the second of Australia’s three-match tour of New Zealand in 2005.

Martyn became Western Australia’s youngest ever captain at 23 years old in 1993 after moving to the state from Darwin and played a part in Australia’s 2003 World Cup victory.

Symptoms of meningitis in adults and children

• A stiff, sore neck.
• A sensitivity to light, or a dislike of bright lights (an early warning sign of meningitis).
• A severe headache.
• If the child or adult is difficult to wake, or in a drowsy and confused state.
• A fever, sometimes accompanied by cold hands and feet.
• Aching sore joints.
• Vomiting – a common symptom of meningitis in both children and adults.
• Convulsive fits or seizures.