The 54-year-old has been in a Queensland hospital since Friday after falling ill at his Gold Coast home and, according to a source speaking anonymously to Decent, is currently comatose whilst being treated for meningitis, a potentially deadly inflammation of the membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis can range from a mild, self-healing condition to potentially fatal if caused by a bacterial infection if left untreated, but according to Decent doctors are hopeful that Martyn can be lifted out of his induced coma this week.
Former VFL/AFL star Brad Hardie broke the news on his 6PR radio show on Tuesday night when revealing that Martyn is "in for the fight of his life", prompting well wishes from fellow former Test cricketers such as Rodney Hogg and Darren Lehmann.
Martyn played 279 internationals for Australia, scoring 18 tons and 61 half-centuries on the way to a career tally of 9,872 runs across the three formats, placing him just outside the top-ten all-time list for Australian international run scorers.
He has been involved in a career in business since retiring from internationals in December 2006.
We join the global cricket community in sending Damien our best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
