Australia's cricket community is rallying around Damien Martyn after the Test great was hospitalised suddenly in Brisbane.
The 54-year-old former right-hand batter has fallen ill in recent days, reportedly being placed in an induced coma amid a battle with meningitis — an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord that can be fatal.
Adam Gilchrist confirmed his former Test and Western Australia teammate's hospitalisation in a statement on behalf of the Martyn family.
"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," Gilchrist said.
As recently as Christmas Eve, Martyn had been active on social media expressing his excitement for the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes Test series.
Damien Martyn was part of Australia's squad that won the 2003 World Cup. Source: AAP / Dave Hunt
"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," said Greenberg.
Former Test teammate Darren Lehmann and veteran sports broadcaster Jim Wilson were among others to send Martyn their best on social media.
"Lots of love and prayers sending @damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family," Lehmann wrote on X.
"Sending positive thoughts @damienmartyn and loved ones, get well Marto," Wilson wrote on the same platform.
English cricket great Michael Vaughan also expressed his support, saying: "All our thoughts are with you @damienmartyn."
Speaking on 6PR radio, former Test bowler Rodney Hogg called Martyn's hospitalisation "shocking news".
"We wish him all the best," Hogg said.
Martyn's seemingly effortless stroke play was his calling card as a player, averaging 46.37 with the bat across 67 Tests for Australia.
Born in Darwin, Martyn earned a Test debut at 21, replacing the late Dean Jones in the 1992-93 home series against West Indies and was Western Australia's captain at 23.
He was player of the series the last time Australia won an away series in India, top scoring in four of Australia's eight innings at the crease in the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy battle.
His Test high score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005, one of 13 Test centuries Martyn made in the baggy green.
Martyn retired from Test cricket midway through the 2006-07 Ashes series, playing his final match at the Adelaide Oval that summer.
Martyn also played 208 ODIs, averaging 40.8 and scoring an unbeaten 88 runs as Australia defeated India in the final of the 2003 World Cup.
He dabbled in commentary in retirement but has mostly kept out of the limelight in recent years.
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