đ Share this article Former Australian Test Cricketer Damien Martyn Admitted to Hospital and in Medically Induced Coma Following Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosis. The former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martyn is in hospital and put into a medically induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. Serious Health Battle Disclosed Martyn, aged 54, âis in for the fight of his lifeâ, according to former AFL player Brad Hardie, who revealed Martynâs condition on Tuesday. âWe hope he can pull through because itâs really serious,â stated Hardie. His condition remains serious after falling ill on Boxing Day and being taken to a hospital in Queensland, according to sources close to the family. About Meningitis The condition meningitis involves swelling of the protective layers that cover the brain and spinal cord. An Illustrious Cricket Career Martyn is considered one of Australiaâs most talented batters, playing 67 Tests and scoring 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. Martin retired suddenly during the 2005-06 Ashes series in England after struggling in the opening two Tests. Cricket World Reacts A former teammate Darren Lehmann encouraged Martyn to âkeep strongâ via social media, as the cricket world began to react support. âLots of love and prayers sending his way . Keep strong and fighting legend . Love to the family.â More details soon âŠ