Chris Cairns: Former New Zealand all-rounder in intensive care in Sydney

Last update on. From the section CricketChris Cairns was a part of 62 Tests, 215 One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches in New Zealand for New Zealand.After a Canberra "major medical event", Chris Cairns, a former New Zealand all-rounder, is currently in the intensive care unit of a Sydney hospital.After undergoing heart surgery in Australia's capital, Cairns, 51 was placed on life support.His family has confirmed that he had received additional heart surgery at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney.Melanie, his wife, also expressed gratitude for "everyone's warm wishes and prayers"Cairns was considered one of the greatest all-rounders his generation. He played 62 Tests, 215 One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches in New Zealand between 1989-2006 before becoming a TV pundit.Lance, his father, was also a member of the New Zealand cricket team.David White, chief executive of New Zealand Cricket, stated that "We are deeply concerned to learn about Chris Cairns’ medical emergency.""Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in Australia, New Zealand and New Zealand. Chris was a beloved husband, father and son. He is still one of our best all-rounders. We wish him a speedy recovery.Cairns, who had retired from international cricket in 2008, was accused of match-fixing in India. He was captain of the Chandigarh Lions of the now defunct Indian Cricket League.He denied any wrongdoing, and fought many legal battles to clear up his name. In 2012, he won a libel lawsuit against Lalit Modi (ex-chairman of the Indian Premier League).He was cleared in 2015 of perjury at Southwark Crown Court and perverting justice.