Former Black Cap all-rounder Chris Cairns has reportedly collapsed in Australia and is on life support, reports NZ Herald.
It is understood Cairns suffered a major medical emergency - an aortic dissection - in Canberra last week. This is when a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body's main artery.
He will be transferred to a specialist hospital in Sydney soon.
New Zealand @BLACKCAPS legend Chris Cairns is on life support in Australia
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) August 10, 2021
Awful news https://t.co/IgbJLVql1n pic.twitter.com/BvcRm4WqWC
He has reportedly undergone several operations while in hospital, but has not responded to treatment as hoped.
Cairns, 51, 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.
#BREAKING Former Black Cap Chris Cairns on life support in Australia https://t.co/8n4CLv6jqR pic.twitter.com/MdGWkJbeV0
— nzherald (@nzherald) August 10, 2021
Cairns played 62 test matches, 215 one day internationals and two T20s for New Zealand between 1989 and 2006. He went on to become a commentator with Sky Sport.
Cairns has been living and working in Canberra with his wife Mel and their children for several years.
