Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns suffered paralysis in his legs after a stroke in his spine during life-saving heart surgery in Australia.
Earlier this month, Cairns had suffered an aortic dissection in his heart, which saw him transferred to Sydney for emergency surgery. He was taken off life support and recovering in hospital in Sydney after undergoing several surgeries. The 51-year-old had emergency surgery in Sydney but his family said he suffered a stroke during the procedure.
Chris and his family to spend crucial time together
“During the life-saving emergency heart surgery, Chris underwent in Sydney he suffered a stroke in his spine. This has resulted in paralysis in his legs. As a result, he will be undertaking a significant rehabilitation process at a specialist spinal hospital in Australia. Chris and his family remain appreciative of the immense public support as they deal with this difficult time. They also appreciate the way in which their privacy has been respected.,” the statement read according to stuff.co.nz
“Chris and his family now want to focus on spending time together where possible and making whatever progress they can in his recovery. We will update everyone when there is more news, but that is likely to be some time away,” the statement further read.
Chris Cairns’ international career
Chris Cairns is one of the greatest all-rounders to have ever played for New Zealand. He played 62 tests, 215 one-day internationals, and two Twenty20 matches for New Zealand between 1989-2006. In 215 ODIs, Cairns smashed 4950 runs at an average of 29.46 including 201 wickets at 32.80. He has 218 Test scalps by his name at an impressive average of 29.40. Cairns’ career-best bowling performance in Tests was 7/27 against the West Indies in 1999.
Cairns’ most memorable innings came in the finals of ICC knockout trophy 2000. He scored an unbeaten 102 to pull off the victory for New Zealand against India in Kenya. He also became the first player to score a century in an ICC Champions Trophy final in a winning cause.
Cairns was later the subject of allegations of match-fixing in India as captain of the Chandigarh Lions in the defunct Indian Cricket League in 2008. He denied any wrongdoing and fought several legal battles to clear his name. His father Lance also represented New Zealand in cricket.
