He will undergo rehabilitation at a spinal hospital in Australia.
Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns, who recently underwent several surgeries after suffering a heart attack, has been now reportedly paralyzed in his legs after suffering a stroke in his spine during the life-saving heart surgery in Australia.
Cairns' family revealed that the legendary New Zealand all-rounder faces “a long road to recovery” and remains in a serious condition currently after being paralyzed following the stroke and will undergo rehabilitation at a spinal specialist hospital in Australia.
The 51-year-old had suffered a sudden collapse earlier this month and was rushed to the hospital where it was found that he had developed a tear in the lining of a major artery and underwent several operations.
Recently, he returned to his home in Canberra but remains in a serious condition after suffering complications following major heart surgery in Sydney.
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According to stuff.co.nz, Cairns' family said in a statement: “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.
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.”
Meanwhile, Cairns’ lawyer Aaron Lloyd said in a statement published in stuff.co.nz: “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.”
Noteworthy, Cairns and his wife Melanie live in Canberra and have two young children. He represented New Zealand in 62 Tests, 215 ODIs, and two T20Is between 1989 and 2006. He has 3, 320 runs and 218 wickets to his name in Test cricket while 4, 950 runs and 201 wickets in ODI cricket.
(With PTI Inputs)