Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn is in an induced coma after being taken ill on Boxing Day, reports said on Wednesday.

Former players started sending love and support through social media on Wednesday in support of Martyn, 54.

“Lots of love and prayers sending Damien Martyn’s way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family,” Darren Lehmann on X.

Speaking on behalf of Martyn’s family, close friend Adam Gilchrist said: “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.”

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said: “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.”

Martyn, known as one of the game’s great stroke makers, played 67 Tests for Australia from 1992 to 2006.

He was recalled in 2000 after a six-year gap and became a key figure in Steve Waugh’s all-powerful side.

He retired in 2006, midway through that year’s Ashes series, finishing his Test career with 4406 runs at 46.37, including 13 centuries.

He was also part of the Australia side that won the 2003 ODI World Cup, hitting 88 not out in the final against India, where he added 234 with Ricky Ponting, and overall scored 5346 runs at 40.80 in the format with five centuries.

After briefly working in commentary post his playing days, Martyn has largely kept a low profile.

On Christmas Eve, he posted about the upcoming Boxing Day Test. “If the old brigade could play again, then this would be it. Boxing Day test match. What a cauldron,” he said on X.