One of the premier former New Zealand fast bowlers Chris Cairns has finally opened up for the first time after undergoing emergency surgery after a rare heart problem. In a recent video posted on his Twitter handle, the 51-year-old all-rounder said he is grateful to be here despite the road ahead being really long indeed.
"Just about six weeks ago I suffered a Type A aortic dissection which essentially means there's a tear in one of my arteries of the heart," Cairns was quoted as saying during a video message. "I had several surgeries and grafts, and very thankfully, the specialists were able to save the heart itself,” he further added.
It has been a tough phase for Cairns. He had to undergo surgery in Canberra back in August due to a major medical issue but the seriousness of the issue was such that he needed to undergo one more operation at the St Vincent hospital in Sydney.
He had to be put on life support soon but was still able to communicate with his family as per quotes from his lawyer Aaron Llyod. However, he was left paralysed in his legs after suffering a stroke following his surgery.
"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," he 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 to all the well wishes that have been sent through to Mel, my wife, and I. Uplifting, humbling and so, so special,” Cairns added.
Cairns was regarded as one of the finest New Zealand all-rounders to have graced the game. He appeared for the national team in 62 Tests and 215 ODIs and was one of the chief architects in New Zealand first-ever victory in a world event. He scored a magnificent century in the final of the ICC Knockout Cup in 2000 against India to hand New Zealand a famous victory.