WA Cricket and Australian teammates have expressed shock after swashbuckling batsman Ryan Campbell suffered a heart attack in the UK over Easter.

Chief executive Christina Matthews said Campbell and his family were in the association’s thoughts, as did WA teammates Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer .

“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.

Cmon @cambo_19 Fight champion. 😔❤️🙏

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) April 19, 2022

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

Campbell suffered a heart attack while playing with his kids at a playground, and was placed in an induced coma in a UK hospital.

6PR Breakfast host Gareth Parker, a friend of the 50-year-old, revealed the news on Tuesday morning with the permission of Campbell’s family, who were in Perth just last week for a long overdue catch up with friends and family back home.

“This news is a real shock to his family and friends back home in Australia, who learned about it on Easter Sunday,” Parker said.

Campbell has coached the Netherlands cricket team since 2017 and took them to the 2021 World Cup, won by Australia.

Press PLAY below to hear more from Gareth Parker on Ryan Campbell.

Image: WACA