Chris Cairns played for New Zealand from 1989-2006.
He was then transferred to a Sydney hospital for further care and operation. In the aftermath of the surgery, he suffered paralysis of his legs.
However, now the cricketer has spoken for the first time since his medical emergency and in a video that he posted on his Twitter handle, Cairns said that the paralysis will be the most challenging part of his rehabilitation.
"Just over six weeks ago, I suffered a type A aortic dissection, which essentially means there's a tear in one of the major arteries of the heart. I had several surgeries and grafts and very thankfully the specialists were able to save the heart itself. One of the complications that arose was a spinal stroke which in itself will provide me with possibly the greatest challenge I've ever faced in rehab going forward,” Cairns said.
"Huge thanks to the team here at Canberra Hospital, to St Vincent's in Sydney, the surgeons, the doctors, the nurses, the specialists - you saved my life. Thanks also (for) all the well-wishes that have been sent through to Mel, my wife, and I. Uplifting, humbling, and so, so special," Cairns further said in the video.
"I'll keep posting to keep you along on the journey as it goes, but please, thank you so much and much love to everybody," he said.
Cricketers from all over the world wished a speedy recovery to Cairns including Brendon McCullum and Sachin Tendulkar.
Chris Cairns represented New Zealand in 62 Tests, scoring 3320 runs and claiming 218 wickets including 5 centuries and 13 five-wicket hauls. Cairns also featured in 215 ODIs, aggregating 4950 runs and taking 201 wickets. He was the Player-of-the-Match in Black Caps’ 2000 Champions Trophy final triumph over India.