Former England player Chris Cowdrey is recovering from surgery after a heart attack last week.
The Professional Cricketers' Association issued a release on behalf of Cowdrey, confirming he suffered the heart attack while in hospital for stitches in a knee injury.
Cowdrey, son of the legendary Colin, played six Tests and three one-day internationals for his country and represented Kent for 16 years at domestic level.
The 53-year-old said: "People always said I was lucky player - well if you're going to have a heart attack anywhere the middle of a hospital is probably it.
"I only went there to have three stitches in my knee.
"I hate letting people down, pulling out of dinners and speaking engagements is not my style, but I hope everyone will understand that my priority is getting back to full health and that I have to take it easy."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here