New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- Former cricketer Damien Martyn, who played 67 test matches for Australia, is in a serious condition in a Gold Coast hospital south of Brisbane, Australian media reported Wednesday.

The 54-year-old former right-hand batter had fallen ill in recent days, with Nine Newspapers reporting he is in an induced coma and fighting a bout of meningitis.

"Lots of love and prayers sending (at) damienmartyn way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family," former test teammate Darren Lehmann wrote on social media.

A spokesperson for Gold Coast Health said that Martyn "remains in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital."

Speaking to News Corp., close friend and former Australian test wicketkeeper Adam ...