Speaking on Perth’s 6PR radio station, former AFL star Brad Hardy said: “Champion Damian Martin from WA (Western Australia) unfortunately fell ill on Boxing Day and is currently in a hospital in Queensland.

“I want everyone to send their best wishes and positive thoughts to Mato. Hopefully he gets through this because this is really serious.”

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Northampton County head coach Darren Lehmann is a former teammate of Martin’s. Said on X., external “Lots of love and prayers…stay strong and fight legend.”

During his career, Martyn completed 4,406 Tests with an average of 46.37.

He was also a prolific one-day batsman, scoring 5,346 runs in 208 games at an average of 40, including 5 centuries and 37 fifties.

Despite a broken finger, he scored an unbeaten 88 as Australia defeated India in the 2003 World Cup final and represented Yorkshire as an overseas player in 2003.