Former Blackcaps all-rounder Chris Cairns has suffered paralysis in his legs, as a result of the major medical event that saw him placed on life support.
Earlier this month, the 51-year-old suffered an aortic dissection, a tear of the inner layer of the body's main artery, in his heart while in Canberra.
Last Friday, Cairns came off life support at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, and is able to communicate with his family. Cairns has since returned home to Canberra.
The Cairns family issued an update on his condition on Friday, saying that he remains in a serious condition, and is facing a "long road to recovery" after suffering a stroke in his spine.
Spinal strokes occur when blood supply to the spinal cord is cut off.
"During the life saving emergency heart surgery Chris underwent in Sydney he suffered a stroke in his spine," the Cairns family said.
"This has resulted in paralysis in his legs. As a result he will be undertaking a significant rehabilitation process at a specialist spinal hospital in Australia.
"Chris and his family remain appreciative of the immense public support as they deal with this difficult time. They also appreciate the way in which their privacy has been respected.
"Chris and his family now want to focus on spending time together where possible and making whatever progress they can in his recovery. We will update everyone when there is more news, but that is likely to be some time away."
The all-rounder scored 3320 test runs at an average of over 33, and took 218 wickets at an average of just over 29.
In ODIs, Cairns scored 4950 runs at 29.46, and took 201 wickets at 32.80.
Cairns was named as one of five Wisden Cricketers of the year in 2000, and is the son of former New Zealand all-rounder Lance Cairns.
Cairns has the seventh most sixes in test cricket history, behind Brendon McCullum, Adam Gilchrist, Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag and Brian Lara.
