Sydney: Former Australian cricket star Damien Martyn remained in serious condition at a hospital south of Brisbane on Wednesday, with reports indicating he is battling a life-threatening case of meningitis.

The 54-year-old former middle-order batsman was admitted to the Gold Coast University Hospital after becoming ill late last week. According to Nine Newspapers, Martyn has been placed in an induced coma as doctors treat the infection.

"He is getting the best of treatment, and (Martyn’s partner) Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes," longtime friend and former Test wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist told News Corp.

A spokesperson for Gold Coast Health confirmed the gravity of the situation, stating that the athlete "remains in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital."

The news has sparked an outpouring of support from the international cricket community. Former teammate Darren Lehmann took to social media to share his support, writing: “Lots of love and prayers sending (at) damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family.”

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Todd Greenberg also issued a statement of support. “I’m saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of everyone at CA and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time,” Greenberg said.

Born in Darwin and later captaining Western Australia at the age of 23, Martyn was celebrated for a technical, seemingly effortless style of play. He debuted for the national side at age 21, eventually amassing 13 Test centuries and maintaining a career average of 46.37.

Martyn was also a pillar of Australia’s dominant one-day international era, appearing in 208 matches and helping the squad secure back-to-back World Cup titles in 1999 and 2003. In the 2003 final against India, he famously scored an unbeaten 88 while playing through the pain of a broken finger.

After retiring mid-series during the 2006-07 Ashes, Martyn transitioned into a career in broadcasting and commentary.

With inputs from AFP