Ryan Campbell remains 'critically ill' in latest update from family

The family of former Australian cricketer Ryan Campbell has provided an update on the 50-year-old's condition, saying he remains 'critically ill' after suffering a heart attack in London last weekend.

Campbell, who played two ODIs in 2002 while wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist spent time with his then newborn children, was at a park with his children when he suddenly collapsed.

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The family got some good news earlier this week, when Cambell emerged from an induced coma, but his outlook remains uncertain.

In a statement on Friday, the family thanked those caring for Campbell, as well as they support they had recieved from the cricket world.

“Ryan suffered a series of cardiac arrests last weekend and remains critically ill in the Royal Stoke University Hospital in the UK where he is being closely monitored 24 hours a day,” his family’s statement read.

“It is impossible to state our gratitude to the truly incredible staff at the hospital whose skill, care and compassion knows no bounds.

“The family would like to take this opportunity to thank all of his friends and supporters around the world for their love and support.

"As we are sure you can understand it is impossible to respond to all of the messages but we truly appreciate you keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.

“We will update you again when we have more news but, in the meantime, we would be grateful if you could give the family some privacy at this immensely difficult time.”

During an illustrious 98-game first-class career between 1994 and 2006, Campbell starred for WA with 6009 runs at an average of 36.31.

He has coached the Netherlands cricket team since April 2017.

Ryan Campbell's family hopeful for recovery after heart attack

Campbell's brother Mark gave a positive update after there were major fears for his life earlier this week.

In an interview with Triple M, he said there had fortunately not been any brain damage, but added that doctors were still unsure what had caused the heart attack.

"They've taken the heavy sedation off, so he's actually woken up," Mark Campbell told Triple M on Wednesday.

"Now they're just look at trying to work out what's wrong with his heart.

"He did a few tests and they're saying there doesn't appear at this stage to be any brain damage, his brain wasn't starved of oxygen.

"They're not sure now why his heart is still being arrhythmic.

"So that's another issue that they're now going to look at over there.

"He's been in intensive care since Saturday night.

"His wife is there with him and one of his friends from Hong Kong has flown to be there."

A swashbuckling batter and a solid gloveman, Campbell was a victim of Australia's golden era during the late 1990s and early 2000s and is considered extremely unlucky to not make more appearances at international level.

WA Cricket Association boss Christina Matthews said on Tuesday she was shocked to hear of Campbell's medical emergency.

"On behalf of all WA Cricket staff, players and the wider cricket community, I would like to pass on our heartfelt thoughts to Ryan, his wife Leontina and their family at this time," Matthews said.

Campbell's incident comes after legendary Australia legspinner Shane Warne died of a heart attack while holidaying in Thailand in March.

Rod Marsh, another Australia cricket icon, died aged 74 of a heart attack less than 24 hours before Warne's passing.

With AAP

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