New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- Former Australia cricketer Damien Martyn has reportedly been hospitalized and has been placed in an induced coma.

Martyn's condition was confirmed by former Australian Football League (AFL) player Brad Hardie, as per a report by The Guardian.

The 54-year-old "is in for the fight of his life," Hardie told 6PR, adding, "Let's hope he can pull through because it's really serious."

The former cricketer fell ill on Boxing Day, 26 December, and remains in a serious condition. He is admitted to a hospital in Queensland, and has been diagnosed with meningitis, as per the publication.

Meningitis is a serious illness that involves inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord-the meninges. It is usuall...