Cricket legend Chris Cairns paralysed after stroke following heart surgery

Chris Cairns’ family has revealed the horrific toll on the New Zealand cricket legend’s after needing life saving heart surgery.

New Zealand cricket great Chris Cairns has returned to Canberra from Sydney but remains in a serious condition with a “long road to recovery” ahead of him.

The former Black Caps captain collapsed in Canberra three weeks ago, having suffered a massive heart attack – resulting in an aortic dissection, or a tear in the inner layer of the body’s main artery.

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He was on life support for several days but was able to come off the machines last week.

The 51-year-old’s family said this afternoon that during lifesaving emergency heart surgery in Sydney, Cairns suffered a stroke in his spine, which has left his legs paralysed.

Cairns is one of the great New Zealand players. Photo by William WEST / AFP

In a statement from the family released by Cairns’ lawyer Aaron Lloyd, the family revealed the latest setback.

“During the lifesaving emergency heart surgery Chris underwent in Sydney he suffered a stroke in his spine. This has resulted in paralysis in his legs,” the statement said. “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.

“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.”

Cairns, the son of Black Cap legend Lance Cairns, was a right-hand batsman and fast-medium bowler. He was known as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation.

Chris Cairns settled in Australia. Photo by LEON NEAL / AFP,

He has been living and working in Canberra with his wife Melanie and their children for several years.

He has been the chief executive of SmartSportz, a company specialising in virtual sport.

Cairns had to rebuild his life after walking out of Southwark Crown Court in London in 2015 after being found not guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice charges in relation to match-fixing allegations.

This story first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission.