Former Black Cap Chris Cairns has reportedly collapsed in Australia and is on life support.
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.
He has reportedly undergone several operations while in hospital, but has not responded to treatment as hoped.
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Chris Cairns played 215 one day internationals for New Zealand. (Photo / Chris Skelton)
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.
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.
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Melanie Cairns and Chris Cairns have been living in Queensland for the past few years. (Photo / Greg Bowker)
Cairns has been living and working in Canberra with his wife Mel and their children for several years.
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