Australian cricket icon Damien Martyn is fighting for his life in a Brisbane hospital after contracting meningitis, according to reports.
The 54-year-old was rushed to hospital in a serious condition after becoming ill on Boxing Day.
Sources told the Sydney Morning Herald that Martyn had been placed in an induced coma.
The disease causes inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, potentially leading to brain swelling.
Medical staff are hopeful the former batsman can be brought out of the coma within the coming days.
Martyn represented Australia in 67 Test matches during his career.
AFL legend Brad Hardie paid tribute during his late-night radio show on 6PR on Tuesday.
"Damien Martyn, the champ from WA, fantastic batsman... unfortunately took ill on Boxing Day and is currently residing in a Queensland hospital and he is in for the fight of his life," Hardie said.
PICTURED: Martyn appeals for a wicket during the Shane Warne's Australia vs Michael Vaughan's England T20 match at Circenster Cricket Club in 2013
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"I'd like everybody to certainly have their best wishes and positive thoughts for Marto. God give him strength."
Former teammate Darren Lehmann also shared his support on social media.
"Lots of love and prayers sending Damien Martyn's way. Keep strong and fighting legend. Love to the family xxx,' Lehmann wrote.
Just days earlier, Martyn had posted excitedly about the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
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A recent snap from Martyn's Instagram shows him smiling with Australian former Prime Minister John Howard
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"If the old brigade could play again, then this would be it," he wrote on Christmas Eve, sharing an image of the MCG.
"Boxing Day test match. What a cauldron."
Martyn began his international career captaining Australia's under-19 side before earning his Test debut in 1992.
The top-order batsman amassed 4,406 runs across his 67 Test appearances, earning widespread admiration for his elegant strokeplay.
He also played county cricket in England for both Leicestershire and Yorkshire.
The Rajasthan Royals selected him for the 2010 IPL season.
But in December 2006, Martyn stunned the cricket world when he walked away from the sport mid-series during the 2006-07 Ashes, aged just 35.