đ Share this article Retired Aussie Test Cricketer Damien Martyn Admitted to Hospital and in Induced Coma After Meningitis Diagnosis. The ex-Aussie cricket star Damien Martyn has been admitted to hospital and put into a medically induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. Serious Condition Disclosed Martyn, aged 54, âis in for the fight of his lifeâ, as stated by ex-AFL star Brad Hardie, who disclosed Martynâs health situation this week. âWe hope he can pull through because itâs extremely grave,â Hardie said. His condition remains serious after becoming unwell on Boxing Day and being taken to a hospital in Queensland, as per sources close to the family. About Meningitis The condition meningitis involves swelling of the protective layers that surround the brain and spinal cord. A Stellar Playing Career Martyn is considered one of Australiaâs finest batsmen, playing 67 Tests and scoring 4,406 Test runs for an average of 46.37 between 1992 and 2006. The right-hand batterâs unbeaten 88 in the 2003 World Cup final â played with a fractured finger â was instrumental in Australia's win over India. Martin retired suddenly in the middle of the 2005-06 Ashes series in England after struggling in the opening two Tests. Cricket World Responds A former teammate Darren Lehmann urged Martyn to âkeep strongâ online, as the cricket world started sending well wishes. âThoughts and prayers sending your way . Stay strong and fight legend . Love to the family.â More details soon âŠ