Former New Zealand star Cairns off life support after emergency heart surgery

Former New Zealand star Chris Cairns is off life support and recovering in hospital after undergoing emergency heart surgery in Sydney, according to his lawyer.

Cairns, 51, was rushed into an intensive care unit at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney last week after suffering what was described as a "a major medical event" in Canberra, but is now in contact with close relatives.

"Chris is off life support," said lawyer Aaron Lloyd.

"He has been able to communicate with his family from hospital in Sydney."

The news last week prompted a flood of well-wishes, with New Zealand chief executive David White saying the organisation was "deeply concerned" for their former player.

"Our thoughts are with his family in Australia and here in New Zealand," he said.

"Chris is a much-loved husband, father, and son – and remains one of our finest all-rounders. We hope he's able to make a full recovery."

And his wife Melanie then duly released a statement thanking everyone for their support.

"Chris suffered a major medial event in Canberra last week.

"He initially underwent surgery, but the seriousness of the condition is such that he has now been transferred to Sydney where he has undergone further cardiovascular surgery.

"Chris' family and friends are heartened by the respectful and warm manner in which this terrible news has been reported, and received by the public, both in New Zealand and around the world, and thanks everyone for their warm wishes, prayers, and kind words."

Cairns is widely considered one of international cricket's greatest all rounders, having played 62 tests for New Zealand following his debut against in Australia in 1989.

He also played 215 one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches for the Black Caps and was part of their ICC Trophy winning team in 2000.

He retired from the international stage in 2006 but just two years later, became dogged by controversy after being the subject of match-fixing allegations in India whilst captain of the Chandigarh Lions in the now defunct Indian Cricket League.

He denied any wrongdoing and subsequently went through a seven year battle to clear his name, culminating in him being cleared of perjury and perverting the course of justice at Southwark Crown Court.

Prior to that, he won a libel case against former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi in 2012.

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