Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn, 54, is hospitalized in Queensland with meningitis, an inflammation of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. He was reportedly placed in an induced coma after falling ill on Boxing Day. Former teammates have offered support on social media. Meningitis can be life-threatening, especially for infants, children, and older adults, with prompt medical treatment crucial for bacterial forms to prevent complications like hearing loss or brain damage.