Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns revealed on Saturday that he has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Notable he was discharged from the hospital last week as he underwent a heart operation after suffering a heart attack in August last year.
Chris Cairns played 62 Tests, 215 ODIs and 2 T20Is for New Zealand
“As far as weeks go, I thought that Tom Brady retiring was going to be the low point this week, but as it turned out, TB12’s retirement comes a distant second.” Chris Cairns posted on Instagram.
“I was told yesterday I have bowel cancer… a big shock and not what I was expecting after what was supposed to be a routine checkup.” he further added.
“So, as I prepare for another round of conversations with surgeons and specialists, I keep remembering how lucky I am to be here in the first place…and how blessed I am to have all that I do in my life. Wasn’t all bad this week either, managed to get in some kids sport and celebrate Noah’s (son’s) birthday at home,” he wrote.
“Another fight ahead but here’s hoping this one is a swift uppercut and over in the first round,” he concluded.
Chris Cairns represented New Zealand in 62 Tests, 215 ODIs, and 2 T20Is from 1989 to 2006. He was one of those genuine all-rounders who could contribute with both bat and ball equally.
He finished his career with more than 200 wickets in both Test and ODIs and also scored 3320 and 4950 runs in Tests and ODIs respectively. For some time, he held the record of most sixes in his Test Career (87) which was broken by Adam Gilchrist. Now Brendon McCullum holds the record with 107 sixes in his Test career.
However, Cairns’ reputation got a hit when he was charged with match-fixing allegations which were denied by him. But he had to face many court cases for the matter.
Post his retirement he played in the rebel Indian T20 league as he led Chandigarh Lions in the inaugural season of the tournament which was also the last time he played any competitive cricket.
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