Former wicketkeeper Campbell suffers heart attack

Former Australia ODI wicketkeeper Ryan Campbell has suffered a heart attack and is in intensive care in a London hospital.

The 50-year-old was at a playground with his children at the weekend when he collapsed.

The news was revealed by 6PR Breakfast host, and close friend of Campbell, Gareth Parker.

The pair spent time together when Campbell recently returned home to Perth for a visit.

Campbell played two ODIs for Australia in 2002, when iconic wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist was absent to spend time with his newborn son.

A swashbuckling batter and a solid gloveman, Campbell was a victim of Australia's golden era during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

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

Campbell played for Hong Kong during the 2016 Twenty20 World Cup at the age of 44.

He has coached the Netherlands cricket team since April 2017.

WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews released a statement following the news.

“WA Cricket is in shock to hear of Ryan’s medical emergency after suffering a major heart attack over the long weekend,” Matthews said.

“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.

“We know he is in the best care, and hope he pulls through and is able to make a full and speedy recovery.”

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